Paragua, other RP bets back in hunt

International Master Mark Paragua (ELO 2476) defeated Anton Sitnikov (ELO 2348) of Ukraine as the Philippines bounced back from a dismal fifth round to win all seven matches in round six of the World Youth Chess championships 2002 in Hersonissos, (Herakho) Crete, Greece.

The win of 18-year old Paragua who is hoping to become the country’s fifth and youngest GM improved his record to 4.5 points in the boys under-18 category.

National Master Roderick Nava, 2002 NCAA MVP and board 2 gold medalist, earned his full point after demolishing Bert Michiels (ELO 2254) of Belgium. Nava whose trip here was supported by Carmona, Cavite Mayor Roy Loyola has 3.5 points in boys 18 and under.

Letran’s Vicneil Villanueva (3.0 points) walloped Batkhorol Bliget (ELO 2101) of Mongolia in the boys under-14 group.

University of the East-Manila student Nelson "Elo" Mariano III (4.0 points) also picked up a point at the expense of Tomas Fodor (ELO 2100) of Hungary in the boys under-12 category.

Meanwhile, Loren Brigham Laceste (3.5 points) whipped Albert San Martin of Chile in the boys under-10 category.

In the distaff side, Aices Salvador, also a UE student, defeated Molly Morruzi of England in the girls under-12 category. Salvador now has 3.0 points.

Asean under-10 champion Cheradee Chardine Camacho of Caba, La Union nailed his second win after demolishing Tater Gasparjan of Armenia in the girls under-10 bracket.

Delegation chief Joseph Dumuk, National Chess Federation of the Philippines Region I coordinator, said that the RP contingent now has 24 points out a possible 42 for a performance rating of 57 percent.

The other Filipinos accompanying the RP bets are Ric Paragua, Fe Salvador, Christine Mariano de Jesus, Conrado Camacho, Melchor Laceste and NM Joseph Sanchez.