So scores 2nd 25-move triumph vs Gomez

MANILA, Philippines - Wesley So toppled fellow GM John Paul Gomez in 25 moves of a French defense to seize the early lead in the Phoenix Petroleum-Dapitan City “Battle of GMs” chess championships at the Dapitan City Resort and Hotel in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte yesterday.

The win came on the heels of So’s equally-impressive 25-move victory over GM Bong Villamayor in the first round as the top-seeded 15-year-old bet showed his readiness to defend the crown against the cream of the RP chess crop.

“I’m happy with my games right now. I hope I can sustain the momentum. But it’s still a long way to go,” said So, bracing for the Asian Individual Championship slated May 12-24 in Subic.

The back-to-back victories gave So a two-round total of four points based on a new scoring system which gives two points for a win, one point for a draw and zero for a loss.

GM Rogelio Antono Jr. and IM Richard Bitoon share second place with three points on one win and a draw.

Antonio trounced IM Julio Catalino Sadorra in 60 moves of the Nimzo-Indian in the first round then halved the point with IM Rolando Nolte in 37 moves of the Alekhine in the next.

Bitoon upset GM Mark Paragua in 37 moves of the Sicilian in the opening round then drew with Sadorra in 30 moves of the Nimzo Indian.

Five players, led by GM Eugene Torre and Dresden Olympiad campaigner GM Darwin Laylo, also stayed within striking distance with two points in the event offering P200,000 to the champion.

Torre drew his first two matches against Nolte (36, Gruenfeld) and GM Jayson Gonzales (31, Bogo-Indian).

Laylo also halved the point with IM Ronald Dableo in 40 moves of the Slav in the first round and Paragua in 31 moves of the Slav.

Gomez outduelled Gonzales in 31 moves of the Albin Counter Gambit in the first round before losing to So.

Villamayor bounced back from his first round setback by whipping Dableo in 56 moves of the Slav.

Nolte, one of the four IMs, in the field, had two draws against Torre and Antonio.

Former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos and Mayor Dominador Jalosjos made the ceremonial moves with Torre and So, respectively.

FIDE honorary lifetime president Florencio Campomanes delivered the inspirational remarks.

Jalosjos thanked National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Butch Pichay and secretary-general Abraham Tolentino for bringing the “Battle of GMs” to this historic city where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled.

Also present during the opening rites were Vice Mayor Patri Chan, board member Bullet Jalosjos, Phoenix Petroleum client relations officer Amadeo Mas, NCFP tresurer Red Dumuk and NCFP executive director Willie Abalos.