FEU standout Nebato, Chinese GM share Singapore Open lead

Far Eastern University’s (FEU) Sheider Nebato humbled sixth seed International Master (IM) P.D. Grinath of India to share the Singapore Chess Open lead with top ranked Grandmaster Wen Yang of China with a perfect score of four points. Nebato, one of several FEU players entered in this season-ending tournament, also defeated Arnaud Domel of France, Ng Say Long of Malaysia and FIDE Master (FM) Zaw Oo of Myanmar. GM Buenaventura “Bong" Villamayor is also in title contention after halving the point with International Master (IM) Cham Gokhale of India to gain 3.5 points. The other Filipinos entered are Christoper Castellano (3.0), Paulo Bersamina (3.0), Ritchie Evangelista (2.5), Lovelyn Medina (2.0) and Rona Reigner Senora (2.0). Filipino players also had mixed results in the age-group categories. FEU sensation Janele Mae Frayna crushed Women’s FM (WFM) Dao Thi Anh of Vietnam to extend her winning streak to four games in the Under-14 girls’ category. Frayna, another fast-rising player from FEU, defeated Sanjana Deshpande of Kenya, Yuan Wei Ting of Singapore and Pealrier Ching Jun of Singapore in the first three rounds. Paul Robert Evangelista outplayed Aron Teh Eu of Malaysia to share the lead with FM Le Tuan Minh of Vietnam, who clipped Filipino Jerad Docena in the Under-14 boys division. Vince Angelo Medina drew with Rod Attakaatsur of Indonesia also in the Under-14 boys. Dominique Lagula drew with WFM Danielle Ho of Singapore to raise her score to 2.5 points in the Under-17 girls’ class. – JVP, KY, GMANews.TV