So books 2nd win in Battle of GMs

Grandmaster Wesley So continued his winning run, beating GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. in the National Chess Championships: 4th Battle of the Grandmasters yesterday at the National Press Club.

The three-time defending champion seized early control of the game to log his second straight win.

With So threatening to promote his pawn on the c-file and on the verge of losing his knight, Antonio resigned after 32 moves of Queen’s Pawn Opening.

The victory gave So 2.0 points after the second round of the event supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate and Hataw.

“It’s too early to celebrate, but it always feels good when you’re winning against one of the top players in the country,” said So, winner over GM Joseph Sanchez in the first round.

Antonio earlier admitted that playing against So is anything but enjoyable.

Grandmaster Eugene Torre kept the leader in sight with 1.5 points following his rousing victory over GM Roland Salvador in their London encounter.

He was joined in second place by International Masters Rolando Nolte, Oliver Barbosa and Richard Bitoon.

Nolte bolstered his chances to nail a GM norm by defeating GM John Paul Gomez in a slam-bang affair.

Nolte, who missed a winning line in a first round draw against IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, took the win after 35 moves of Sicilian Defense.

Barbosa also made his case by manhandling GM Rolando “Banjo” Barcenilla in 40 moves of King’s Indian.

Bitoon, winner over IM Yves Ranola in the opener, settled for a draw against GM Darwin Laylo after 30 moves of Caro Kann.

Also halving a point were Ranola and Garcia after 79 moves of Pirc and GMs Mark Paragua and Sanchez in 31 moves of Slav.

In the distaff side, defending champion Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose notched her second win in as many rounds at the expense of Jenny Rose Palomo.

Joining her on top were Woman International Master Catherine Perena, WFM Cherry Ann Mejia and Woman National Master Janelle Mae Frayna. /correspondent Marlon Bernardino