LEADER. Precious Eve Ferrer prepares her next move against Shaniah Francine Tamayo in Round 8 of the Queen of the North chess tournament at Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium in Laoag City on Friday (Dec. 21, 2023). Ferrer won the in 50 moves of London System Opening to keep the lead with 7.0 points. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – Third seed Precious Eve Ferrer of Lingayen, Pangasinan downed local bet Shania Francine Tamayo in Round 8 to keep the lead in the Queen of the North chess tournament at Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium in Laoag City.
Ferrer prevailed over the fourth-seeded Tamayo after 50 moves of London System Opening using the black pieces.
"Mahirap yung posisyon sa una, may pagka drawish, mabuti nakuha ko sa tiyaga at na-ipit ko sya para manalo ako (The position was difficult at first, a little bit drawish, but I got it with perseverance, and I pinned her down to win)," Ferrer, who now has 7.0 points, said.
Meanwhile, No. 1 Woman National Master Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of Flora, Apayao defeated No. 15 Crishelle Angelica Dequillo of Laoag City, in 38 moves of Modern defense to share second place with Jallen Herzchelle Agra. Both have 6.5 points.
Agra of Claveria, Cagayan, the No. 2 seed, conquered No. 16 Hazel Claire Ganasao of Laoag City in 23 moves of English Opening.
Tamayo joined No. 24 Rachelle Joy Pascua of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte in third place with 5.5 points.
Pascua drew with her 20th-seeded townmate, Kimberly Gumallaoi, in 66 moves of Sicilian defense.
The champion of the 11-round Swiss system tournament will receive PHP60,000 in cash courtesy of Mayor Michael Keon and UP Vanguard Inc. 102nd Homecoming chair Aldiwn Galapon. (PNA)
