Banjo returns to roots, vies in Battle of GMs

Manila, Philippines - Former two-time Asian Junior champion grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. is making a comeback in the local chess scene, competing in the National Chess Championship: 4th Battle of the Grandmasters starting today at the National Press Club in Manila.

“I last played in the country in 1999,” said Barcenilla who obtained his third and final GM norm in the 2009 Copper State International Chess Championship in Mesa, Arizona, USA.

Like many others, Barcenilla, the Asian junior champion in 1989 and 1991, points to Wesley So as the top favorite in the men’s championship offering P150,000 top prize.

Maria Antoinette San Diego, a 12-year old from Dasmariñas, Cavite, is included in the list of players vying for the women’s crown.

Barcenilla goes up against GM John Paul Gomez in the first round.

“My chance to win is as good as anybody not named Wesley,” said Gomez, runner-up to So in last year’s event.

With a record nine GMs in the men’s division, this year’s championship organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines is considered the toughest ever.

Despite that, So remains the overwhelming favorite to capture a fourth straight Battle of the Grandmasters title.

The 17-year-old Bacoor, Cavite whiz kid will begin his title retention bid against Paris, France-based GM Joseph Sanchez.

Even 12-time national champion GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. considers So as the player to beat.

“Wesley always says that he just enjoys playing chess. Well, we don’t enjoy if we’re up against him. He’s a tough nut to crack,” said Antonio, who finished in a tie for third last year. “He is definitely the favorite to rule this tournament.”

Antonio and Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre meet in a marquee match-up in the opening round.

The other first round matches pit GM Darwin Laylo against GM Mark Paragua, Italy-based GM Roland Salvador vs International Master Oliver Barbosa, IM Richard Bitoon vs IM Yves Ranola and IM Rolando Nolte vs Ateneo High School standout IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia.