Susanto won again in the Philippines

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian junior chess player Susanto Megaranto defeated Filipino Sadora Julio in the Asian Continental Boys Under-16 championships at the National Power Corporation (NPC) training center in Bataan, the Philippines.

Playing tactical, Susanto held off Julio's relentless attacks during their five-and-a-half-hour match on Friday.

At the 28th move, Julio cornered Susanto's king. But the Filipino, who was too eager to clinch an early victory, left his king's position vulnerable at the 29th.

Susanto took advantage of this situation by launching a counter attack. Julio's speculative response at the 30th turned his king into virtually a sitting duck.

With his rook, a bishop and the queen, Susanto forced Julio to barter his queen with Susanto's rook and bishop.

Julio surrendered at the 68th of their Reti opening match.

Susanto collected 4 points from 5 matches and is now placed second. Saverino Sander of the Philippines leads the pack with 4.5 points.

The 24 players had a day off on Saturday and resume their matches on Sunday. Susanto will face the leader, Sander. (nvn)