So beats Sanchez in Battle of GMs

GM Wesley So opened his quest for a fourth straight crown with a 35-move demolition of Cebuano GM Joseph Sanchez at yesterday’s start of the National Chess Championships: 4th Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila.

So, the 17-year-old Bacoor, Cavite whiz kid prevailed after 35 moves of Sicilian defense to lead the opening day winners of the event that awards P150,000 to the winner.

“Napilit ko sa bandang huli,” said So, the country’s topranked wood pusher.

Meantime, former two-time Asian Junior champion Rogelio Barcenilla settled for a truce with fellow GM John Paul Gomez after 31 moves of another Sicilian defense.

“Mahirap pilitin eh, may repetition na tabla sa laro namin ni John Paul,” said the Arizona-based Barcenilla, who topped the 1989 and 1991 Asian Junior Chess Championships.

During the opening rites, Barcenilla and Sanchez received a P50,000 incentive each from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines for completing their GM requirements.

“Malaking inspirasyon sa mga kabataan ang karangalan na hatid nina Banjo at Joseph, kahit malayo sila sa bansa natin patuloy silang nagbibigay ng karangalan sa bayan natin,” said NCFP president/chairman Prospero Pichay, who is eyeing to produce 20 chess grandmasters under his term.

GM Darwin Laylo on the other hand split the point with World Cup qualifier GM Mark Paragua after 35 moves of Sicilian while the Milan, Italy-based GM Roland Salvador also halved the point with 2011 Campomanes Yangon International Open champion IM Oliver Barbosa after 31 moves of another Sicilian skirmish.

Longtime Philippine chess vanguard and Asias first GM Eugene Torre drew with GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. after 31 moves of Kings Pawn Game.

The tournament is sponsored by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee, National Press Club, Remate and Hataw of JSY Publication. /Correspondent MARLON BERNARDINO