Paragua a win away from winning Nueva Ecija chess tilt
01/28/2009 09:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Mark Paragua settled for a draw with fellow Grandmaster Bong Villamayor to keep the solo lead with only one round remaining in the Gov. Aurelio Umali Cup Open chess championship on Monday in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

The draw was Paragua’s second against six wins, enabling the 26-year-old pride of Bulacan to raise his score to 7.0 points and keep a half-point lead over top seed Eugene Torre and four others who were at 6.5 points.

Torre joined John Paul Gomez and International Masters Richard Bitoon and Barlo Nadera and unheralded Rhobel Legaspi.

Torre defeated Ronald Dableo to strengthen his chances in this nine-round, Swiss system tournament which offers a cash prize worth P850,000.

In other results, it was Gomez, the country’s 10th and newest GM, over Roderick Nava, Bitoon over Ronald Bancod, Nadera over Darwin Laylo, Legaspi over Emanuel Senador.

Dresden Olympiad veteran Jayson Gonzales whipped Jayson Salubre to lead a big group of players with 6.0 points.

The champion will take home P200,000. – GMANews.TV

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