THE Philippines’ Chester Neil Reyes continued his strong showing in the 2021 FIDE World Online Cadets and Youth Rapid World Cup.

Reyes racked up four straight wins — all against higher-rated opponents — to remain as one of only five players with perfect scores in the Under-16 category.

Reyes, seeded only No. 91 in the prestigious 16-under competition that drew 190 players, swept Jeremiah Adjetey in the first round, Sourath Biswas of India in the second round, Kirin Pitrenko of Russia in the third round and Aditya Arden of Indonesia in the fourth round to join the early lead.

Reyes is now tied with the top seeds — IM Denis Lavazuk of Belarus, American prodigy Christopher Yoo, FM Maxim Tsaruk of Belarus and Ruben Fernando Lopez of Spain.

“Although underrated, Chester is now showing in this tournament that he is one of the world’s best top junior players,”said Coach Richard Villlaseran, founder of King’s Gambit Chess School, where Reyes trains from time to time

“He just needs a break and more exposure. I think this will be his breakthrough in an international tournament” added Villaseran, a noted chess player himself.

“Chester was already very strong when he started with us so we just try to help him in some aspects of his game. whenever he attends our advanced/masters class. We really believe that he has what it takes to be a grandmaster in the near future.”

The FIDE Online Rapid World Cup is a two-stage tournament that will be played in five different age groups – under 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 2 sections – open and girls, according to the official tournament website.

The finals will consist of ten separate 16-player KO tournaments (Girls under 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and Open under 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18) with six players who have personal right to participate.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ed Andaya