Yap, four others share lead in Rose Pharmacy chessfest

CEBU, Philippines - International Master Kim Steven Yap and four others share the temporary lead after three rounds of action in the 2016 Rose Pharmacy Chess Classic Open Tournament yesterday at the Cebu School of Chess along P. del Rosario Street, Cebu City.

Yap, the School of Chess director, bested Allan Salientes for a perfect 3-0 mark, so far, in this seven-round Swiss system competition that dangles over P10,000 in cash prize to the winners.

Yap, who is undefeated in major tournaments in Cebu this year, is joined on top of the leaderboard with Joel Pacuribot, Venancio Loyola, Carlos Moreno III and Mario Mangubat, who are also unscathed in three starts.

Pacuribot subdued NM Rogelio Enriquez  Jr., Loyola outlasted Richard Natividad, while Moreno and Mangubat prevailed over C. Tan and V. Pepito, respectively.

The champion of the one-day tilt under the supervision of FIDE Arbiter Marvin Y. Ruelan will take home P5,000, while the second and third will receive P3,000 and P1,000, respectively. — (FREEMAN)