So stays unbeaten in Cebu City chess

CEBU, Philippines - GM Wesley So sustained his sizzling streak to stay unbeaten after four rounds of action in the cash-rich 1st Cebu City Charter Day Open Chess Championships yesterday at the E-Mall Activity Center.

The country's top chess player and youngest GM ever claimed NM Rodrigo Atotubo as his latest victim.

Prior to this match, the 17-year old So outsmarted Joel Pacuribot and NM Fernandito Pialan in the second and third round, respectively.

Trailing So in the current standings is GM John Paul Gomez, who fended off NM Jayson Salubre in the fourth round.   

GM Darwin Laylo occupied the third spot after beating Ted Ian Motoyo, Bonn Tibod and Rex Caboncal.

IM Richard Bitoon and FIDE Master Lyndon Lumancas are running fourth and fifth.

Bitoon prevailed over NM Joel Fernan, Edwel Alesna and NM Roel Filipinas, while Lumancas fended off Aldwin Daculan and Johnny Carzano and settled for a draw with IM Ronald Dableo.

Making it to the temporary top 10 list are IM Manny Senador, NM Levi Mercado, IM Chito Garma, NM Reggie Olay and Cebu’s Voltaire Sevillano.

The three-day tilt attracted 272 participants who are vying for the close to P300,000 in cash prize.

The champion in the open category will receive P100,000, while the runner-up will take home P50,000. The third to fifth will receive P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000, respectively.

The Rose Pharmacy Chess Club-organized event is sponsored by the city government of Cebu under the leadership of Mayor Mike Rama in association with the Cebu City Sports Commission headed by Edward Hayco. - THE FREEMAN