Basilgo sweeps way to Shell Cebu chess lead

MANILA, Philippines - University of Cebu’s Adrian Basilgo flashed top form and swept his first five matches to wrest the solo lead in juniors division while Jave Peteros and Jerish Velarde took charge in kiddies play at the start of the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships Visayas leg at SM City Cebu, Cebu City last Saturday.

The seventh ranked Basilgo downed Elaine Gabrido, Adelyn Bensi, Gabriel Lastimosa and Nick Amestad then upended No. 6 Natori Diaz to storm ahead with five points heading to the last four rounds of the Swiss system tournament serving as the third leg of the five-stage regional circuit sponsored by Pilipinas Shell for the 24th year.

But five players stood just half-a-point behind with 4.5 points, including top seed and UC bet Chris Pondoyo, No. 3 Jane Quinanola of University of San Jose-Recoletos,Marc Villarojo and Remegio Galenzoga III, while eight others pooled four points, guaranteeing a fierce battle for top honors in the 13-16 age group.

The four pointers are No. 4 Jeremy Tanudra, also of UC, John Paderna, Jude Aranaydo,John Cadiz, Michael Canizares, Jamon Cajeras, Rejel Perandos and Vincent Vencer.  Peteros and Velarde likewise racked up five straight wins to share the lead in the 7-12 age section of the event graced by Shell Social Performance and Social Investment Manager Melanie Bularan, and Shell active chess alumnus Carlo Maraat.