Thursday, August 27, 2009

Ambank Challenge almost in the bag for Filipinos

Indeed, the Filipinos are rampaging in Malaysia - living up to their pride as the supremos of chess in the ASEAN region.

It is a Filipino, in the name of IM Emmanuel, who is in solo lead going to the final round of Malaysia Chess Open (DATMO 2009).

And what can you say, it is three Filipinos who are on the lead - that is, one-two-three spot, in Ambank Chess Challenge which is being staged at the sideline of DATMO 2009.

Rodolfo Panopio, Jr., Roel Abelgas, and Samson Lim, Jr. have piled up 6.5 points a piece to lead the Ambank challenge after Round 8.

Notably, Panopio is pitted against Abelgas in the final round for a Board 1 battle which almost ensures a sure championship for a Filipino.

The only possible obstacle for a Filipino not to win the title in the Ambank Challenge is for the three Pinoy to end up in draws and Tick Hong Jax Tham, who is a 6.0 pointer, win his final game against Izz Saifuddin. In that case, the championship will be decided on tie breaks.

But I'm already sensing a title capped by a Pinoy. Bet?

1 Comment:

Tony said...

Congrats to our Pinoy 'regulars' Samson Lim Jr, Rodolfo Panopio and Roel Abelgas for completing grand slam 1-2-3 finish for Pinoys in the Ambank Challengers!

Now we're waiting for the game results of IM Senador, GM Laylo and IM Dableo at the DATMO for the final placings!