International Master Michael Concio Jr. outlasted Malaysian FIDE Master Lye Lik Zang to grab a share of the lead with two others after four rounds in the Asian Zone 3.3 Chess Championships Tuesday, May 4.
The 15-year-old Concio prevailed after 72 moves of a Bishop’s Opening to jump at the helm alongside IM Daniel Quizon and Indonesian IM Mohamad Ervan with identical 3.5 points.
Quizon and Ervan fought tooth and nail in a showdown between unbeaten players but settled with a 49-move draw of their Sicilian encounter, allowing Concio to catch up.
With five rounds to go, Concio and Quizon remained in contention for the two spots at stake for the 2021 FIDE World Cup in July.
The World Cup tilt serves as one of the many doorways to having a chance to compete in the Candidates Matches and the World Championships.
Meanwhile, Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo shocked Malaysian FM Lim Zhuo Ren in 43 moves of another Sicilian duel to move half a point behind the leaders along with six others with three points each.
Grandmaster Darwin Laylo was held to a draw by Indonesian Aditya Bagus Arfan to slip outside the top 10 in a big group with 2.5 points apiece.