A cool-headed GM Dao Thien Hao, bearing no resemblance to the faltering player of earlier in the week, ran GM Susanto Megaranto ragged on Friday to lead 3-2 in their matchup at the Japfa Chess Festival.

A Vietnamese hat trick of wins appeared a given when he embarked on an offensive game, leaving the 17-year-old Indonesian trying to defend before having to surrender in 48 moves of a King's Indian game.

Dao, whose rating of 2609 makes him the highest rated player in Southeast Asia, has made a remarkable comeback. Susanto had taken a 2-0 lead in the best-of-six series at the office of the State Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs in Senayan, Central Jakarta.

Dao was modest after his win.

"I've been lucky to win the games," the bespectacled 27-year- old said.

"I played like a child (in the first two games). I don't know. I don't understand why."

He acknowledged that he had changed his game strategy to a "winning" one, but refused to elaborate.

Dao executed his game plan with outstanding restraint, drawing Susanto into a trap that rendered the latter's knight stranded and powerless.

Forced to exchange a rook for a minor piece, Susanto's demise became a foregone conclusion when his other rook was rendered useless, while Dao's own rooks were poised for the attack.

"Susanto's opening was not good," Dao said.

The Indonesian, with a rating of 2489, admitted his poor choices on moves 8 and 15. "I lost my rhythm through those moves."

Susanto will have to win the final game on Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m., for a chance at the top prize of US$1,500.

Although the original plan was to split the combined prize money for the winner and runner-up ($750) equally in the event of a tie, the organizers announced on Friday that two five-minute blitz games would be played to decide the winner if the score is tied at 3-3.

If the score does not change after the blitz games, a sudden death contest will be held.

"We are looking to serve the audience with an entertaining chess contest. And Dao has accepted the decision," tournament director Eka Putra Wirya said.

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Irene Kharisma cruised to the women's title after compiling an unassailable eight points. Although there is still a game to be played, Lisa Lumongdong, in second place with six points, cannot overtake her.

Irene booked another two wins on Friday, overcoming Evie Lindiawati in the seventh round and Tri Handayani in the eighth round later on the day.

In the Open tournament, Ivan Situru pulled half a point ahead from the chasing pack after he amassed 1.5 points from two rounds.

He drew with Tirto and defeated Sudung Tampubolon to top the standings with seven points. A group of 11 players followed behind with 6.5 points.