GM Gomez still leads Battle of GMs chess

GRANDMASTER John Paul Gomez on Wednesday drew with 12-time national open champion GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. after 21 moves of Caro-Kann defense to remain on top with 13.5 points after five rounds of the 2013 Battle of the Grandmasters Chess Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room in Vito Cruz, Manila.

“Ok lamang ang draw para maipreserba natin ang ating lakas sa mga next crucial rounds. Mahaba pa naman eh,” said GM Gomez.

Antonio, on the other hand, stayed in second place with 10.5 points on two wins and three draws.

GM Richard Bitoon, meantime beat defending champion GM Mark Paragua after 37 moves of Sicilian defense to raise his tally to nine points on three wins and two losses.

“Draw lamang sana ang laban kaso nagkamali siya eh,” said Bitoon of Medellin, Cebu.

“Na mental block ako, di ko napansin na mamamate ako. Nakatutok kasi ako na matehin din siya,” said Paragua.

Also with nine points are US-based GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla, GM Oliver Barbosa and IM Joel Pimentel.

Barcenilla halved the point with Pimentel after 84 moves of Queen’s Gambit Accepted while Barbosa defeated IM Emmanuel Senador after 64 moves of Queen’s Pawn Game.

The game between FM Jony Habla and IM Richilieu Salcedo III , GM Eugene Torre against National Master Narquinden Reyes and FM Roderick Nava opposite GM Darwin Laylo also ended in draws. /Corresopondent Marlon Bernardino