THREE PINOYS ON TOP IN THE AMBANK CHALLENGE

Individual Standings after round 8:

6.5 points
Samson Lim Jr., (Philippines), Rodolfo Panopio Jr. (Philippines), Roel Abelgas (Philippines)

6 points

Tham, Tick Hong Jax (Malaysia)

5.5 points

Shaik Ali, Nor Ilhamuddin (Malaysia), Saifuddin, Izz (Malaysia), Cheah, Cheok Fung (Malaysia), Zakaria, Mohd Fadli (Malaysia), Tan, Kok Liang (Malaysia)

5.0 points

Winston Joseph Silva (Philippines), Ooi, Li Tao (Malaysia), Yeop, Mat Zaki (Malaysia), Wolfaardt, Francois (Republic of South Africa)

RODOLFO Panopio, Jr., Roel Abelgas, and Samson Lim, Jr. have piled up 6.5 points a piece to lead the Ambank challenge after Round 8 being staged at the sideline of DATMO 2009 Chess Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In the final round, Panopio from Calamba, Laguna is pitted against Abelgas from Binan, Laguna in the final round for a Board 1 battle which almost ensures a sure championship for an all Filipino.

Lim the pride of New Manila, Quezon City taking Cheah, Cheok Fung for a Board 2 battle.
The only possible obstacle for a Filipino not to win the title in the Ambank Challenge is for the three Pinoy to end up in draws and Tick Hong Jax Tham, who is a 6.0 pointer, win his final game against Izz Saifuddin. In that case, the championship will be decided on tie breaks.

Winston Joseph Silva of Tagum, Davao, meanwhile is aiming a better finish when he takes Ooi, Li Tao for a Board 6 battle.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.