Danny Juswanto seeks GM norm

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian chess International Master (MI) Danny Juswanto opened his bid to obtain Grand Master (GM) Norm after collecting 4.5 Match Points (MPs) at the Wotulo Memorial International Grand Master Chess Tournament.

"Denny is currently in second place after GM Krunoslav Hulak of Croatia who collected 5.5 MPs," Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) spokesman Kristianus Liem said in a fax sent to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

"Denny beat the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Master (MF) Awam Wahono in the 42nd move of the Sicilian defense, while Hulak defeated GM Zaw Win Lay of Myanmar in the 39th move also using the Sicilian defense."

In order to obtain GM Norm, a player should reach 9.5 MPs in this tournament and 6.5 MPs to get a MI Norm from 13 sessions.

Meanwhile, organizer Bunawan of Gunadharma University said Wednesday's session would be critical for Danny in his attempt to obtain the Norm.

"If Danny can force a tie with GM Krishnan Sasikiran from India, it will be more than enough," he said.

The seventh session will start at 2:30 p.m. at the Clarion Golden Hotel on Jl. Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta. (nvn)