International Master Daniel Quizon edged Woman Grandmaster Janelle May Frayna to tighten his grip on the top spot after four rounds in the 2021 National Chess Championship at the Solea Hotel and Resort in Mactan, Cebu Saturday.
The 17-year-old Quizon needed 57 moves of a King’s Indian Defense to outlast Frayna and remain unscathed with four wins in this 11-round tournament.
He was gunning for his fifth straight triumph against GM Joey Antonio at press time.
Breathing down Quizon’s neck was International Master Ricky de Guzman after prevailing top seed International Master Paulo Bersamina in 72 moves of a Queen’s Gambit.
De Guzman, the oldest among 12 participants at 60 years old, hiked his tally to 3.5 points following previous victories over IM Joel Pimentel and IM Michael Concio Jr.
Other fourth round results saw GM Joey Antonio drawing with IM John Marvin Miciano in 39 moves of a Petroff Defense, IM Ronald Dableo splitting the point with Concio in 31 moves of a Pirc Defense, and Laylo and Pimentel agreeing to a truce in 30 moves of a Gruenfeld duel.