Garma, an Olympiad veteran, pounced on Dimakiling’s weak opening deviation to seize the initiative before outplaying the 19-year-old La Salle student, best remembered for booting out GM Eugene Torre right in the first round in last year’s Millennium Grand Prix.
With four points, Garma shares the lead with five others, who included fellow IM Mark Paragua, who demolished US Master Almario Bernardino in 37 moves of a Veresov Opening.
Taking advantage of his familiarity with the opening, the 15-year-old Paragua quickly gained a positional advantage which he brilliantly translated into a win against Bernardino, whose first three victories were fashioned out over lightweight opponents.
Joining Garma and Paragua at the helm are IM candidates Jayson Gonzales and Idelfonso Datu, FIDE Master Jessie Noel Sales and NM Allan Sayson, who all came up with impressive victories.
Gonzales, who honed his skills and talent by competing in the United States, beat NM Roland Joseph Perez in 28 moves of an Alekhine Defense; Datu, also a veteran of at least three Olympiads, outwitted NM Rudy Ibañez in 25 moves of a Ruy Lopez; Sales whipped De Leon Marohom, Jr. in 38 moves of a Nimzo-Indian defense; and Sayson downed NM Stewart Manaog in 39 moves of a Reti Opening.
Half-a-point behind the leaders are NM Mirabeau Maga, Macapagal Paguital and NM Fernandito Pialan.
In the distaff side, Christine Castellano extended her winning streak to four by beating Nella Picana in 30 moves of a Sicilian, while Sherrie Joy Lomibao and Cristina Joy Mariano hurdled their respective rivals to share second with 2.5 points apiece.