Manila: Filipino FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri secured his first gold medal at the Asian Amateur Chess Championships after dominating the blitz event in Hongkong Friday night. The two-time national juniors champion held compatriot and fellow FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz to a draw in the ninth and final round to finish with 8.5 points. “I am happy to win the gold medal in the blitz competition,” said the 19-year-old Nouri, who will try to get another medal in the rapid event on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mongolian FIDE Master Khishigbat Ulziikhishig and Filipinos Recarte Tiauson and Lo Aristotle Nikolai Calica were tied for second with identical 8.0 points. FIDE Master Chun Yung Samuel Lam of Hongkong registered 7.5 points for third place, along with Daluz and Arena Grandmaster Johnny Wellem Carzano.
In the women’s division, Russian FIDE Master Ekaterina Borisova bagged the gold medal with 8.5 points. She settled for a draw with India’s Diya Chowdhury in the final round. Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Kristina Kim of Kazakhstan finished second with 7.5 points followed by Filipino Woman FIDE Master Allanney Jia Doroy, who scored 7.0 points.
Filipino WCM Nika Juris Nicolas tallied 6.5 points, tying with Indonesian WCM Angelo Ruth Nugroho and India’s WFM Mukherjee Bristy and Chowdhury Diya.
