Antonio, 7 others lead National Open chess
07/05/2009 12:54 PM
MANILA, Philippines – Top seed GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. trounced NM Emmanuel Senador and GM John Paul Gomez whipped NM Edgardo Garma to forge an eight-way tie for the lead after the fourth round of the Victory Central Mall National Open chess championship.
Antonio, who was held to a draw by Rhobel Legaspi in the third round, regained his winning form to subdue Senador while Gomez, who settled for a draw with Allan Macala in the second round, came back strong to beat Garma, raising their score to 3.5 points in the nine-round tournament.
Seventh seed GM Jayson Gonzales also made his presence felt to turn back Legaspi and join the hunt for the top prize of P100,000.
The four players thus join erstwhile leaders IM Richard Bitoon, GM Darwin Laylo, GM Mark Paragua and IM Barlo Nadera in the lead.
Bitoon settled for a draw with Nadera, as did Laylo against Paragua.
All eight players now have 3.5 points out of a possible four.
NM Efren Bagamasbad outclassed Richard de la Cruz, Rolando Andador humbled Melvin Salutan, David Elorta bested Rainier Labay, Ronald Llavanes overpowered FM Leonardo Carlos and Ali Branzuela crushed Efren Arguelles to lead a big group of players with three points.
Also with three points are Alex Millagrosa, who beat Mirham Perez, and unheralded Alvin Divinagracia, who stopped Allan Macala.
IM Chito Garma and Robert Suelo drew their match to lead another batch of players with 2.5 points. – GMANews.TV
Antonio is having a good year.