Buto collars country’s first gold medal in the 18th Asean Age Group Chess

AL-BASHER “Baste” Buto won the country’s first gold medal in the ongoing 18th ASEAN Age Group Chess Championship with still a round to go by going undefeated after seven rounds Thursday in standard play at the Grand Darul Makmur Hotel in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.

Buto beat compatriot Vincent Ryu Dimayuga and is assured of the gold in the boys 8 and under division whatever happens in his eighth and final round match against Mohd Faizal Muhd Harris Halie of Malaysia.

Buto, a Grade 2 student of Faith Christian School, also won the gold during the 13th Asian Schools Chess Championship last July in Liaohe Art Museum in Panjin, China.

Meanwhile, Mecel Angela Gadut of Candon City and Kaye Lalaine Regidor of Sta. Rosa defeated their respective rivals to share the lead in the Girls 8 and under category.

Gadut toppled Vissnupriya Prushotman of Malaysia while Regidor trounced Hafiya Imana Zaba of Malaysia. Both Pinays tallied 6.0 points after Round 7.

In the Boys 12 and under, Michael Concio Jr. of Los Banos, Laguna defeated Mahmood Shah Mukhriez Shah of Malaysia to remain on top with 6.0 points while Jerlyn Mae San Diego of Dasmarinas, Cavite subdued Eunice Tang En Shi of Malaysia to up her tally to 5.0 points in the girls division.

Latifah Laysa of Indonesia leads with 6.0 points.

In the Boys 14 and under, Daniel Quizon of Dasmarinas, Cavite and Dicky Adiyta of Indonesia shared the lead with 5.0 points. They will face each other in round 7 for the solo lead.

In the Girls 14 and under, Regina Catherine Quinanola of Cebu nipped compatriot Ruth Joy Vinuya of Ilagan, Isabela after Round 6 to stay on track for the coveted medal with 4.5 points.

Quinanola will play solo leader WCM Jia-Tien Chua of Malaysia in the seventh round today. Chua drew with compatriot Tang En Xin Esther in the 6th round for 5.5 points.