Manila, Philippines - Wesley So drew with Drawin Laylo in 32 moves of the English Opening to retain the title in the Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club.
So finished with 9.0 points, a full point ahead of his closest rivals, to pocket the top purse of P150,000.
“This is a very tough tournament. It may look easy since I was at the lead from the start but I really wasn’t sure I would remain in that position until the final match,” said So, who was virtually unassailable after winning his first four matches.
With So already out of reach, Eugene Torre and International Master Oliver Barbosa quickly split the point against separate opponents.
Torre halved the point with Joseph Sanchez after 30 moves of Queen’s Pawn Opening while Barbosa drew with Rogelio Antonio, Jr. after 30 moves of London System.
Torre and Barbosa finished with 8.0 points, but the latter took runner up honors by the win-over-the-other rule.
IM Rolando Nolte downed IM Yves Ranola after 33 moves of Sicilian. Other matches ended in a draw between Mark Paragua and IM Richard Bitoon (31, Nimzo Indian), Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, and John Paul Gomez and Roland Salvador (31 moves, Slav).
Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose retained the title in the women’s division by beating Rowelyn Joy Acedo in 36 moves of Queen’s Pawn Game. She finished with 9.0 points to collect the P40,000 top prize.