Apple Rubin | Contributed photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Toledo City’s chess prodigy Apple Rubin came up short against a top-ranked Vietnamese player in the seventh round of the 22nd ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships 2024 held in Vientiane, Laos, on August 27.
The 14-year-old Rubin, representing the Philippines in the girls-14 division, faced off against the formidable Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) Le Xuan Hien Dang from Vietnam.
Rubin aimed to turn the tables and secure a monumental upset. But despite her best efforts and a fierce battle on the board, Rubin’s determination wasn’t quite enough to inflict WCM Dang’s first defeat after seven rounds.
READ: Apple Rubin racks up back-to-back wins in Laos
The Vietnamese’s victory kept her firmly in the lead of the 14-player competition.
Though Rubin slipped from fifth to sixth place following her third defeat, with 3.5 points accumulated, her performance continues to showcase her huge potential.
READ: Apple Rubin secures second win in tough ASEAN Chess tilt in Laos
“She fought well ani nga game pud. Maka-proud gihapon kay naabot sila sa endgame, and galisud gyud iyaha kontra,” said Gacang.
READ: Chess: Apple Rubin of Cebu gets first win at ASEAN championship
As she prepares to face Vietnamese player Nguyen Bao Linh Vu in the eighth round, Gacang remains optimistic about her chances in the upcoming rapid and blitz competitions.
Currently, Iana Angela Sotaridona leads the Filipina contingent in the girls-14 division with 4.0 points, holding third place.
Nguyen Bao Linh Vu is in second place with 4.0 points as well, while WCM Dang stands unchallenged at the top with 7.0 points.