Gonzales, Laylo pace National Chess Open

MANILA, Philippines - Dresden Olympiad veteran grandmasters Jayson Gonzales and Darwin Laylo pulled off similar smashing victories over their respective rivals to forge a two-way tie for the lead after the fifth round of the Victory Central Mall National Open chess championship at the Victory Central Mall in Caloocan City.

Gonzales whipped IM Richard Bitoon, while Laylo outclassed FM Adrian Pacis to grab the lead with 4.5 points in this tough, nine-round tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

Top seed GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. settled for a draw with IM Barlo Nadera and second seed GM John Paul Gomez also split the point with GM Mark Paragua to remain in the hunt for the P100,000 top prize with four points.

Sharing the limelight were NM Efren Bagamasbad, who outwitted Ronald Llavanes; NM Alex Milagrosa, who trounced Ali Branzuela, and NM Emmanuel Senador, who dumped Roando Andador.

Bagamasbad, Milagrosa and Senador also have four points.

Brothers Chito and Edgardo Garma humbled Leo Alidani and Leodegario Ricana, respectively, to lead a big group of players with 3.5 points.

Also with the same score were David Elorta and Alvin Divinagracia, who drew their match; and Cristian Arroyo, who subdued Robert Suelo Jr.

A total of 129 players, including five GMs, are seeing action in this week-long competition supported by the Victory Central Mall and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

At stake in the tournament is a total cash prize of P300,000, with the champion pocketing the lions share of P100,000.

The runner-up and the third placer receive P60,000 and P40,000, respectively.