Jallen Herzchelle Agra of Claveria, Cagayan and Precious Eve Ferrer of Lingayen, Pangasinan toppled their respective rivals for a share of the lead after five rounds in the Queen of the North Chess Championship at the Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium in Laoag, Ilocos Norte on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

The second-seeded Agra outclassed fourth seed Shaniah Francine Tamayo of Laoag City in 23 moves of a Caro-Kann defense while Ferrer toppled 12^th seed Elizsa Gayle Cafirma of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte in 53 moves of a King’s Indian Defense to hike their respective tallies to 4.5 points.

The pair of wins kept Agra and Ferrer on course in their bids to clinch the title and the champion’s purse worth P60,000 courtesy of Mayor Michael Marcos Keon and Chairman of 102nd Homecoming UP Vanguard Incorporated (UPVI) Aldwin Galapon.

“Sana mahawakan ko ‘yung momentum ko," said Agra, who drew with Ferrer in the fourth round.

Top seed Woman National Master Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of Flora, Apayao and Shantelle Marie Root of Laoag City trailed Agra and Ferrer by half a point with 4 points after downing their opponents.

Sebastian routed Rachelle Joy Pascua of Bacarra in 28 moves of Modern Defense, while Root subdued Kimberly Gumallaoi also of Bacarra in 30 moves of a Sicilian.

The weeklong standard event is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Pag-Ibig Fund and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

Tournament director is International Master Ronald Bancod while Chief Arbiter is International Arbiter Ricky Navalta.