Malaysian Update

Individual results after sixth round: (86 player's field)

5.0 points--- GM Zhang Zhong (China), WGM Ruofan Li (China), Weiqi Zhou (China), Li Chao (China)

4.5 points--- IM Oliver Dimakiling (Philippines), IM Richard Bitoon (Philippines), IM Barlo Nadera (Philippines),GM Dao Thien Hai (Vietnam), GM Ziaur Rahman (Bangladesh), IM Wang Rui (China), Wan Yunguo (China), IM Sadikin Irwanto (Indonesia), IM Gary Lane (Australia)

4.0 points---FM Hamed Nouri (Philippines), NM Emmanuel Senador (Philippines), NM Rolando Nolte (Philippines), WGM Zhang Jilin (China), IM Grinath P.D.S. (India), IM Mas Hafizuhelmi (Malaysia), FM Ton That Nhu Tung (Vietnam), Aman Khairul (Malaysia)

3.5 points---GM Utut Adianto (Indonesia), GM Murray Chandler (England), GM Nguyen Anh Dung (Vietnam), WIM Laura Moylan (Australia), IM Ronald Bancod (Philippines), IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (Philippines), NM Rhobel Legaspi (Philippines), IM Tirto (Indonesia), IM Nasib Ginting (Indonesia), FM Sebastian Simanjuntak (Indonesia), FM Tze-Meng Mok (Malaysia), FM Anas Nazreen Bakri (India)…

GRANDMASTER candidate Oliver Dimakiling of Davao City settled for a truce with compatriot fellow International Master Richard Bitoon of Medellin, Cebu using the white pieces in the sixth round of 2007 Dato Artur Tan Malaysian Open yesterday being held at the ballroom of Cititel Midvalley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Dimakiling and Bitoon, both playing under the banner of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero Pichay Jr. improved their record for a total 4.5 points to climbed into a tie for 5th to 13th placers in the company of countryman IM Barlo Nadera of Mandaue, Cebu, GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam, GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh, IM Wang Rui and Wan Yunguo of China, IM Sadikin Irwanto of Indonesia and IM Gary Lane of Australia.

Woman International Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao of Quezon City who forced a draw with IM Bitoon and GM Utut Adianto of Indonesia in the early round beat Jun Lian Low of Malaysia to raise her total 3.0 points in this FIDE event which attracted 86 players. She will face Kaiser Jenius Hakiki of Indonesia in the seventh round.

In other sixth round matches saw yesterday were IM Nadera halved the point with GM Rahman, as well the game between of IM Wang and Yunguo, IM Irwanto clobbered IM Ronald Bancod of the Philippines, IM Lane upset GM Murray Chandler of England, and GM Dao nipped IM Nasib Ginting of India.

Top seed GM Zhang Zhong and Li Chao of China hurdle their respective rivals yesterday to join fellow Chinese WGM Ruofan Li and Weiqi Zhou in the leadership board with 5.0 points apiece.

GM Zhang crushed IM Girinath P.D.S. of India while Chao stopped International Master aspirations of Fide Master Hamed Nouri of Escalante City while WGM Ruofan settled for a draw with Weiqi.

Other Filipino woodpushers still in contention for the title race were NM Emmanuel Senador (4.0), NM Rolando Nolte (4.0), IM Julio Catalino Saddora (3.5) and NM Rhobel Legaspi.(MARLON BERNARDINO).

And in the local scene, preparations for the September 1 and 2 CAAP tournament is on it's way. The CAAP 3 in 1 1950 and below will be held at the Ramon MAgsaysay Cubao High School. Also, today is the 4th and 5th rounds of the Mat Defensor QC District 3 Inter Baranggay Chess Team Cup. A Project of GM Eugene Torre, officiated by International Arbiter Gene Poliarco and NM Erwin Carag.

Lots of happenings eh?

Thanks to NM' Erwin Carag and Marlon Bernardino for the updates. Special mention to chessbuff for his help. i'll email you soon as I finish the assignment.

Since I'm already in the mood for thanksgiving, I'd also like to send my deep appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Manny Benitez for his generosity. We all know his work and efforts in preparing, distribution and love for chess. The Weekender is proof enough. Also for Mr. Bobby Ang, who may have laid low in the NCFP but never in chess!

Of course, thank you goes to Norlito Bersamina! Thanks man!

To all the readers, lovers and haters of this blog, thank you to you.