Gomez, Laylo take charge as RP repels Puerto Rico

MANILA, Philippines - With GM Wesley So taking a break, the Philippines got the job done just the same, trouncing Puerto Rico, 3-1, in the seventh round of the World Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia Tuesday.

GMs John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo delivered the victories on the top two boards, beating GM Mark Machin and IM Alejandro Montalvo, respectively, as the 37th-ranked Filipinos gained a share of 19th place with nine points.

Gomez outwitted Machin in 68 moves of the Modern defense, Laylo subdued Montalvo via time forfeit in 29 moves of the Scandinavian defense while GM Eugene Torre and IM Richard Bitoon drew their respective matches for the victory.

Torre halved the point with Raul Vasquez, while GM-candidate Bitoon split the point with Ramon Ovalle.