Pascua rips Castro, nears jr chess plum

MANILA, Philippines - FIDE Master Haridas Pascua downed Jose Carlo Castro in the penultimate round to zero in on the crown in the National Age Group and National Juniors Chess Championships at the Event Center in Tanauan, Batangas.

It was Pascua’s eighth victory against a draw and a loss as he hiked his total to 25 points, keeping his one-point lead intact over Joseph Turqueza.

Pascua tries to clinch the win against either Chester Jason Coquilla or Alcon John Datu.

In women’s play, WNM Jedara Docena paces the field with 22 points on seven wins and one draw. She goes for the crown against Deanne Aubrey Surposa.

WNM Janelle Mae Frayna is in second with 19 points on six wins, one draw and one defeat.

The national junior champions will represent the country in the 2012 World Junior Chess Championships in Athens, Greece.

Meanwhile, Bernadette Galas scored 28 points to all but wrap up the girls under-16 title.

In other divisions, Lennon Hart Salgados paces the boys under-20 while Romy Fagon leads the u-16 category. Other leaders are Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano (u-14), Daniel John Lemi (u-12); Stephen Rome Pangilinan (u-10); Justin Mordido (u-8); women’s Fide Master Marie Antoinette San Diego (u-20); Samantha Glo Revita (u-14); Glysen Derotas (u-12); Regyne Palaming (u-10) and Methusellah Ramos (u-8).

The age group winners will compete in the 2012 Asian Youth Championships in Sri Lanka.