LSGH GALAN LEAD THE EARLY WINNER IN XAVIER INTERSCHOLASTIC CHESS

TOP SEED Jan Nigel Galan of La Salle Greenhills (LSGH) turned back Collins Javier of La Immaculada Concepcion School (LICS) to lead the early winner with perfect scores after three rounds of play at the start of 6th Xavier Interscholastic Chess Invitational at the High School Multipurpose Hall, Xavier School, Greenhills West, San Juan, Metro, Manila.

Galan, playing under the banner of LSGH head coach IA/NM Erwin Carag,who is best to remember winning the coveted gold medal in board 1 of the last year’s NCAA junior category, prevailed with the white pieces after 50 moves of King’s Indian attack.

Also with perfect 3 points in the junior division of individual category are Jerome Bajaro of Roces, Justin Pe of Xavier, Steaven Fulcher and Dan Dilao of LICS.

Bajaro toppled Edward Laude, Pe nipped Justin David Corpin, Fulcher beat Daryll Moscosa and Dilao defeated Angelo Nuestro.

Within striking distance with 2.5 points each are Alfonso Ramos of LSGH,Miscah Durian of LICS and Brian Cruz of Ateneo de Manila University.

Ramos split the point with Durian while Cruz outplayed Dionel Liwag.

La Salle Greenhills (Green Team), meanwhile takes the over-all lead in the team competitions with 9.5 points, half point ahead with LICS A ( 9 points), and 1.5 points head with LICS B (8 points).

Ateneo A came fourth with 7.5 points followed by fifth placer Ramon Magsaysay Cubao High School with 7 points. Other participating teams were Lourdes A (6.5 points), Roces (6 points), Xavier (6 points),Southridge (5 points), St.Paul (4.5 points), Ateneo B (3.5 points), Lourdes B (2.5 points), Diliman Preparatory School(2 points) and LSGH white team (1 point).According to arbiter Alex Dinoy, action will resume on Saturday, January 30 at 8:45 am at the same venue.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO