Dableo, Wong share lead in GMA Cup

Standings after three rounds: (RP unless stated)

3 points – R. Dableo, M/ K. Wong (Singapore)

2.5 – M. Mchedlishvili (Georgia), A. ,Fillipov ( Uzbekistan), N. T. Nguyen (Vietnam), A. Ismagambetov (Kazakhstan), P. Kostenko (Kazakhstan), R. Bitoon

2 – E. Ghaemmaghami (Iran), M. Gagunashvili ( Georgia), R. Antonio, T. Kotanjian (Armenia), T.H. Dao (Vietnam), D. Laylo, J. Gomez, M. Paragua, B. Villamayor, O. ,Dimakiling, Tirto (Indonesia), B. Nadera, E. Senador, E. Garma

MANILA, Philippines - Grandmaster-elect Ronald Dableo outduelled compatriot GM John Paul Gomez while GM Wong Meng Kong of Singapore toppled GM Marc Paragua in the battle of early leaders to forge a two-way tie for the lead in the third round of the fourth President Arroyo Cup international chess championship at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Paranaque City.

Dableo, who earned his third and last GM norm during the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur last month, and Wong both extended their winning streak to three games in this tough, nine-round tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and supported by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, PAGCOR, Local Water Utilities Administration and Crown Regency Hotel

The two players will dispute the solo lead in the fourth round late Saturday.

Top ssed GM MIkhal Mchedlishvili of Georgia outclassed erstwhile co-leader IM Barlo Nadera, third seed Anton Fillipov of Uzbekistan trounced GM Das Neelotpal of India and fourth seed GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son of Vietnam nipped GM Jayson Gonzales to lead three other players with 2.5 points out of a possible three.

GM-candidate Richard Bitoon overwhelmed Edmundo Legaspi in an all-Filipino showdown to join Mchedlishvili and five other foreign players in third to eighth places with 2.5 points.

Also in the group of 2.5 pointers is No. 13 seed GM Anuan Ismagambetov of Kazakhstan, who outplayed David Elorta.