Filipino blitz king Daniel Quizon dismantled Indonesian International Master Yoseph Theolifus’ rarely used Schliemann Defense of the Ruy Lopez to regain a share of the lead with two others after seven rounds of the Asian Zonal 3.3 Chess Championship Friday, May 7.
The 16-year-old Southeast Asian Games veteran gained the upperhand early en route to the victory that catapulted him back to the top with fellow International Master Michael Concio Jr. and Indonesia’s IM Mohamad Ervan with 5.5 points apiece.
Concio and Ervan split the point with Indonesia’s IM Sean Winshand Cuhendi and Singapore’s IM Tin Jingyao, respectively, to remain at the helm with two rounds to go in this tournament that stakes two slots to the World Cup 2021 set Aug. 1 to 28.
Tin, Cuhendi and Indonesian Grandmaster Novendra Priasmoro comprised three-man chase pack with half a point off the pace.
IM John Marvin Miciano, Merben Roque, Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo, and Ellan Asuela stayed in contention as they lead the group of 4.5-pointers.
Miciano bested Narciso Gumila; Roque dumped Jerish John Velarde; Lorenzo shocked Indonesian IM Ali Muhammad Lutfi; and Asuela drew with Malaysian FIDE Master Lye Lik Zang.