Battle of GMs on Saturday
MANILA, Philippines — Grandmaster Wesley So opens his title-retention campaign Saturday even as veteran GMs Rogelio “Joey” Antonio and Eugene Torre renew their rivalry at the start of the National Chess Championship: Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club.
Looking for his fourth straight crown, So is determined to start on a high note when he clashes with GM Joseph Sanchez in the round robin tournament to be participated by a record nine GMs in the men’s division.
Woman FIDE Master Rulp Jose, the defending champion, also targets a big start when she collides with Mira Mirano in the 13-round, Category 11 event.
Despite So’s refusal to predict his title chances, his rivals, however, see him as the overwhelming favorite to rule the tournament.
“Wesley always says that he enjoys playing chess. Well, hindi kami nag-e-enjoy pag siya ang kalaban namin,” said Antonio, who finished third last year.
Other opening round assignments pit GM Darwin Laylo against GM Mark Paragua, GM Roland Salvador against International Master Oliver Barbosa, last year’s runner up GM John Paul Gomez over GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla and IM Rolando Nolte over IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia.
Source: http://www.mb.com.ph
