Irene takes the lead with 6.5 MPs

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Irene Kharisma, who is representing South Sumatra, became the only player with a clear lead on the third day of the finals of the Rp 6 million (US$600) Rider-Enerpac National Junior Chess tournament in Bekasi, West Java.

Competing in the girls' under-14 division, nine-year-old Irene collected 6.5 Match Points (MPs) from seven matches, while her nearest contender Stefani Diancery of West Java was 1.5 MPs behind.

Irene beat Natasya Chaniago of Jakarta in the seventh match of the tournament, which took place at Utut Adianto Chess School (SCUA), spokesman of the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) Kristians Liem, told The Jakarta Post in a written statement.

The competition began to heat up in the girls' U-18 division when the 1999 national champion in the U-16 division, Sulung Wahyuningsih of Central Java, unexpectedly fell victim to Wita Rahayu of North Sumatra.

The defeat meant Sulung, who had led by one point before Monday's matches, equaled Evie Lindiawati of Jakarta, who defeated Yuliani of East Java on the day.

Both Sulung and Evie now have 5 MPs.

Things were also getting more interesting in the boys' U-14 division after national champion Ferry Ferdiansyah of Riau put behind his overnight defeat to score two victories in the sixth and seventh rounds.

Ferry now shares the lead with Aris Haryanto of West Java and Surya Wahyudi of Jakarta, each with 5.5 MPs.

Meanwhile, Dedy Rafi of North Sumatra and Chairil Nardi of Aceh also collected 5.5 MPs each to lead the boys' U-18 division.

Tuesday's session will play the final two rounds.