Emperado paces MCC standard open

MANILA, Philippines — Top seed National Master Emmanuel Emperado took the early lead after four rounds of play in the MCC Grand Reunion Standard Open Chess Tournament at the Starmall Edsa Shaw in Mandaluyong City.

A former DLSU stalwart, Emperado tallied a perfect score of four points with three remaining rounds left as of presstime.

Trailing behind with 3.5 points apiece were NM Efren Bagamasbad, USCF Master Jose Aquino Jr., veterans Alwin Sopungco and Arnel Ellis.

Tied in third spot with 3.0 points each were John Kenneth Gelua of Taytay, Rizal;   veterans Joel Ambas and Raul Villate; Burlington Tiu of St. Benilde; Lorenzo Cochanco of DLSU and 12-year-old Karlycris Clarito Jr. of UST.

Also in pursuit with 2.5 points were Christopher Jed Dayo, kiddie Nathan Maligaya, Ryan Christian Magtabog, Alexander Gelua, Leo Aldrin Caraig, Clark Kaeron Kwak,, Carmella Ysabel Galve, Venz Dwight Kwan, Julie Gelua, John Andrei Abrantes, David Joshua Orense, Roville Viatrice Ceron, Jose Layones, Bejie Paulo Aclao, Tyrone James Tabernilla, Mady Añonuevo, Jayden Aquino and Romer Ceron Jr.