Bitoon shares lead with Torre

Standings after Round 6: (Men’s) Torre, Bitoon, 4.5; Antonio, Sayson, Garma, 4.0; Villamayor, Senador, Datu, 3.0; Gonzales, 2.5; Laylo, 2.0; Olay, 1.0; Sales, 0.5.

(Women’s) Mendoza, 5.0; Mariano, 4.5; Toledo, Lomibao, 4.0; Torres, 3.5; Flores, 3.0; Joya, 2.5; Rivera, Cruz, 2.0; Caños, Castillo, Itaas, 1.5.

International Master Chito Garma stalled tourney helmsman Richard Bitoon even as NM Reggie Olay stole the thunder from GM Bong Villamayor yesterday afternoon in Round 6 of the National Open Chess Championships finals series.