Pinoy chessers show way

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines swept all its first three games to seize the solo lead in the Asian Nations Online Chess Cup Saturday.

Grandmaster Banjo Barcenilla and International Master Paulo Bersamina hurdled all their first three assignments on the second and third board, respectively, on 4-0 victories by the Philippines over Palestine and Syria, and a 3-1 triumph over Thailand.

The Pinoys were actually tied with the Mongolians, Kazakhs and Iranians with six match points out of the possible six but the former had more actual game points (11.0).