Piaya Network Negros Open: GM Srinath Narayanan pursues the leader

Piaya Network Negros International Open is taking place from October 11 to 19 in Bacolod City, Phillippines. The tournament is a 9 round Swiss open, played at 90 minutes for the whole game plus 30-second increment. English Grandmaster Nigel Short started off as the top-seed; whereas, Chennai’s GM Srinath Narayanan is the lone Indian playing in this forty-eight player event.

After four rounds, veteran Grandmaster Antonio Rogelio Jr (PHI) emerged as the sole leader with 04/4 points. Half-a-point behind the Filipino star is GM Nigel Short (ENG), GM Srinath Narayanan (IND), and GM Duc Hoa Nguyen (VIE).

Speaking about his performance in this event, GM Srinath commented,”I’ve had a decent start at the end of 4 rounds, but the quality of games has been a bit below par. I am hoping to pick up quickly and show some good games in the next 5 rounds.”

[iframe border=”0″ frameborder=”0″ allowtransparency=”true” width=”550″ height=”465″ src=”//www.chess.com/emboard?id=3664904″][/iframe]

The tournament is possible primarily thanks to Tony Aguirre, chairman of the AV Negros Chess Club and co-owner of Piaya Network. An avid chess lover, besides his generous patronage, he has been on site, coordinating the event, and ensuring that the players have their every need catered to. Hugo Villuaneva, the other co-owner of Piaya Networks is supporting the event from the USA.

Pairings for Round 5

Click here for full pairings.