FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri and Ruelle Canino beat their respective foes to close in on topping their divisions in the National Juniors Chess Championships at the PACE Center in Quezon City on Tuesday.
Nouri, 15, smashed Christian Olaybal and Johnmari Joseph Lu to pace the boys’ side with six points after seven rounds. Canino, 13, downed Bea Mendoza to stay atop the girls’ section with seven points after the eighth and penultimate round.
Nouri and Canino took the lead after watching their erstwhile co-leaders—Adrian Othniel Yulo and Mhage Sebastian—held to draws by Ronald Canino and Vic Glysen Derotas, respectively.
Yulo has 5.5 points while Sebastian 6.5 in this event supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Chess Movement Inc. chairman Dr. Ariel Potot.
Nouri could clinch the title if scores 1.5 points against Canino, elder brother of Ruelle Canino, and Rilloroza in the last two rounds.
Canino only needs a draw with Derotas, the reigning ladies juniors champion, in the last round to emerge winner.