GM Darwin Laylo (2494), the country’s seventh strongest player today, is very much close to bagging one of the two World Cup qualifying slots by erecting six points in seven rounds after pulverizing GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia in Round 7 of the Zone 3.3 FIDE World Chess Championships in Vietnam.
Undoubtedly the best performer so far in the 10-player RP contingent, the 29-year old Laylo continued his rampage and only needs at least one more point in the next two rounds to secure the slot, if not the championship in this event.
Laylo’s performance is capped by a win over compatriot IM Richard Bitoon in Round 3 and an emphatic win over Megaranto in Round 7 to produce a performance rating of 2730!
If not for his dull 14-mover draw against GM Wesley So in Round 5, it could have been a ‘flawless’ campaign overseas. I can’t blame him, though. Playing against the No.1 seed of the tournament – especially when the name of the opponent in the opposite side of the board is GM Wesley So – is indeed something to think about.
Let’s say it’s just part of his overall strategy. Understandable, indeed. But still, that kind of strategy spews dirt on the aesthetic beauty of chess.
The questions is: can he hold on to his lead? Does he have the tenacity to execute the final kick?
We’ll see. Good luck, Darwin!
Undoubtedly the best performer so far in the 10-player RP contingent, the 29-year old Laylo continued his rampage and only needs at least one more point in the next two rounds to secure the slot, if not the championship in this event.
Laylo’s performance is capped by a win over compatriot IM Richard Bitoon in Round 3 and an emphatic win over Megaranto in Round 7 to produce a performance rating of 2730!
If not for his dull 14-mover draw against GM Wesley So in Round 5, it could have been a ‘flawless’ campaign overseas. I can’t blame him, though. Playing against the No.1 seed of the tournament – especially when the name of the opponent in the opposite side of the board is GM Wesley So – is indeed something to think about.
Let’s say it’s just part of his overall strategy. Understandable, indeed. But still, that kind of strategy spews dirt on the aesthetic beauty of chess.
The questions is: can he hold on to his lead? Does he have the tenacity to execute the final kick?
We’ll see. Good luck, Darwin!
2 Comments:
Darwin Laylo have already secured himself a second stint in the world cup with his win on round 8. Even if he loses his last round game, no one in the field could catch his 7/9 performance. I hope Wesley So also qualifies, as this would be the first time that three Filipinos would be playing on the prestigious world championship qualifier (same with FIDE KO championship that preceeded the world cup). Paragua has the greates chance of qualifying but his round 8 loss hampers if not nullify any chance for him to get a second trip to the world cup.
batilsky
Darwin Laylo have already secured himself a second stint in the world cup with his win on round 8. Even if he loses his last round game, no one in the field could catch his 7/9 performance. I hope Wesley So also qualifies, as this would be the first time that three Filipinos would be playing on the prestigious world championship qualifier (same with FIDE KO championship that preceeded the world cup). Paragua has the greates chance of qualifying but his round 8 loss hampers if not nullify any chance for him to get a second trip to the world cup.
batilsky
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