Daniel Quizon defeated fellow Filipino Arjie Bayangat in 57 moves to become the only Filipino to secure a win in the first round of the Asian Continental Chess Championship on Friday.
Hailing from Dasmariñas, the teen who is also an Asian Zonal 3.3 champion, defeated Bayangat in 57 moves of a London System.
Meanwhile, Michael Concio Jr., who was a runner-up to Quizon in the zonal, lost to Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev of Uzbekistan after 58 moves of a Guioco Piano.
RELATED STORY: Frayna first Filipina to play in Women’s World Chess Cup
However, in this match that brought much glory to the Philippines, it was non-master Ellan Asuela who got a large share of the spotlight for his decision to accept a draw against Grandmaster Jakhongir Vakhidov of Uzbekistan. After 28 moves of an English Opening and with far less time than Asuela, Vakhidov offered a draw which Asuela agreed upon, reports said.
Quizon and Concio had qualified for the World Cup by finishing 1-2 in the Asian Zonal 3.3 a few weeks ago. They are playing in the Asian Continental as part of their preparation for the World Cup.
READ ON: PH PRIDE: Filipino chess master wins in Dubai Chess Open
As many as 15 Filipinos are competing in the Asian Continental, being played virtually. However, arbiters have been assigned in the three hubs where the players are located. The time control is the traditional 90 minutes with 30 seconds increment for the first 40 moves.
Meanwhile, Paulo Bersamina and Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna are not part of the Asian Continental this time as the National Chess Federation of the Philippines had nominated them to the World Cup. (AW)
