Asor upsets Donguines

Unheralded John Asor stunned third-seeded FIDE Master Fernie Donguines yesterday to lead a big group of unbeaten players after two rounds of the National Open Chess Championship at the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan.

Asor used his familiarity with the Reti Opening to hold off Donguines in a time scramble and score the victory after 59 moves. He now joins 71 other players with two points apiece.

Macapagal Paguital, a regular fixture at the Cubao and Luneta chess plazas, and former University of Mindanao standout Joselito Alejano carved out similar upset victories, beating fourth-seeded NM Yves Ranola and IM Ronald Bancod, respectively,

Also making his presence felt in the 11-round, Swiss System elimination round was former Ateneo High School top board player Leonard Reyes who defeated former national junior champion Roberto Suelo, Jr. after 36 moves of a super-sharp Sicilian match.

The top nine players after the eliminations will join Grandmasters Eugene Torre, Joey Antonio and Bong Villamayor in the finals.

Escaping the upset axe in the second round was second-seeded IM Mark Paragua, who downed Carlo Rosaupan after 29 moves of an English Opening.

Top-seeded IM Richard Bitoon also posted his second straight win by beating Mario Ribano after 37 moves of a Two Knights game.

The other seeded players who remained unbeaten were IMs Barlo Nadera and Chito Garma, and NMs Jayson Gonzales, Victor Cabrido, Darwin Laylo and Ronald Dableo.