OZAMIZ City- Woman International Master (WIM) Ruelle “Tawing” Canino of Cagayan de Oro is seeking a strong finish in the final four rounds of the 7th ASEAN+ International Chess Tournament in Misamis Occidental.
The 18-year-old Cagayan de Oro chess player is trying to revive her bid for a grandmaster title after suffering her first loss in the second round of the nine-round tournament.
Canino bounced back with two straight victories, including a 20-move win over Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Kun Fang of Singapore.
However, she suffered another setback in Thursday's fifth round against WIM Shakira Devi Herfesa of India.
Playing Black in a Sicilian Defense, Canino gained an early advantage, winning a pawn and securing a strong central position.
But her decision to keep the major pieces on the board allowed the game to become more complicated. Under time pressure, she eventually lost to Herfesa, who outplayed her in the race to promote their passed pawns.
“Nag-panic ko,” Canino admitted after the match.
The reigning national women's open champion has four rounds left to improve her standing and keep her title campaign alive.
After Friday's break, play resumes today, November 7, at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Adventure Park in Sinacaban.
Canino, who has scored three points from five rounds, faces WFM Mohd Arif Ainul Mardhiah of Malaysia in the sixth round.
The tournament is hosted by the provincial government of Misamis Occidental under Gov. Henry Oaminal Sr. and follows a nine-round Swiss system.
