by Marlon Bernardino
Standings after Round 3
3 points---IM Daniel Quizon (Philippines), IM Mohamad Ervan (Indonesia)
2.5 points---IM Michael Concio Jr. (Philippines), IM Yoseph Theolifus Taher (Indonesia), FM  Jagadeesh  Siddharth (Sigapore), FM Lik Zang Lye (Malaysia)
MANILA, Philippines---International Master Daniel Quizon stood at the vanguard as Filipino entries continued to show their sharp form Monday (May 3, 2021) by winning over lowly-rated opponents in the third round of the online Zone 3.3 Zonal Chess Championships 2021 at Tornelo platform.

The Dasmariñas City, Cavite bet Quizon defeated Fide Master Pitra Andyka of Indonesia to share the lead with International Master Mohamad Ervan of Indonesia with perfect 3 points.
The 13th-seed Quizon, whose stint here is being supported by Rep. Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga Jr. and national coach Fide Master Roel Abelgas, subdued No. 18 Andyka after 65 moves of Sicilian defense.
Ervan, on the other hand, dismantled National Master Michael Gotel of Bulacan after 47 moves of Slav defense.
In the fourth round, Quizon and Ervan were battling each other for the solo leadership board.
Another Filipino entry International Master Michael Concio Jr. made a quick draw with International Master Yoseph Theolifus Taher of Indonesia in just 17 moves of Sicilian defense to create a four-way tie for second with Taher, Fide Master Jagadeesh  Siddharth of Sigapore and Fide Master Lik Zang Lye of Malaysia with 2.5 points each.
Lone Filipino Grandmaster Darwin Laylo, meantime halving the point with compatriot International Master John Marvin Miciano after 31 moves of Petroff defense to lead the huge group of 2 pointers that includes Gotel, Fide Master Austin Jacob Literatus, National Masters Merben Roque and Rogelio Enriquez, Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo, Jeremy Marticio and Narciso Gumila Jr. and 8 others.
According to International Arbiter Casto "Toti" Abundo of the World Chess Federation that the top two players will advance to the World Cup set in August in Minsk, Russia.
 Fifty-two players from six nations are taking part in the event that has a prize fund of $1,500 (about P75,000) according to National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/President Senior Deputy Speaker Prospero "Butch" Arreza Pichay Jr. who watched the game live streaming through chess24.com.-Marlon Bernardino-