Four straight for the young phenom

Battle of GMs: So clinches title for 4th straight year
Monday, July 25, 2011
Written by : Ed Andaya

Final standings:

9 points -- W. So
8 -- O. Barbosa, E. Torre
7.5 -- D. Laylo, J. Sanchez, R. Antonio, R. Bitoon, R. Nolte
6 -- M. Paragua
5.5 -- J. Gomez
5 -- R. Barcenilla, J, Garcia
4 -- R. Salvador
3 -- Y. Ranola

UNSTOPPABLE.

That was how players -- and even officials -- described the smashing performance of GM Wesley So shorltly after winning an unprecedented fourth straight title in the ‘Battle of GMs’ chess championships at the National Press Club Bldg. in Intramuros, Manila.

So capped his impressive one-man show with a pair of back-to-back draws against GM-candidate Richard Bitoon in the 12th and penultimate round and GM Darwin Laylo in the 13th and final round to finish with a runaway total of nine points on five wins and eight draws in the prestigious, 14-player competition organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by Pilipinas Shell.

The 17-year-odl Filipino champion, who is scheduled to face GM Liren Ding of China in the first round of the World Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, Rusia next month, swept his first four assignments before slowing down a bit in the next nine rounds.

“This is easily the most difficult of the four (Battle of GMs) championships, especially because there are more rounds played. But I’m happy to win the title again,” said So,. whose last setback in a local tournament came at the hands of GM Julio Catalino Sadorra in the eighth round of the 2008 President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Parañaque.

The win was also worth P150,000 for So.

Newly-crowned Campomanes Memorial Cup champion GM-candidate Oliver Barbosa and Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre shared second to third places with eight points.

Barbosa, however, clinched runner-up honors by virtue of the winner-over-the other rule.

Barbosa, who earned his second GM norm as early as th eninth round, drew with GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. in 30 moves of the London System, while Torre halved the point with GM Joseph Sanchez after 30 moves of Queen’s Pawn opening.

Five players -- Laylo, Antonio, Sanchez, Bitoon and IM Rolando Nolte -- shared at fourth to eighth places with 7.5 points.

Bitoon, who also achieved his second GM norm in th eninth round, drew with World Cup-bound GM Mark Paragua in 31 moves of a Nimzo-Indian,w hile Nolte defeated IM Yves Ranola after 33 moves of the Sicilian defense.

Paragua finished inninth place with six points, followed by GM John Paul Gomez in 10 th place with 5.5 points.

Comebacking GM Rogelio Barcenilla and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia battle dto a draw in 30 moves of the English opening to share 11 th to 12 th places with five points.

More here.

Four straight for the young phenom

Battle of GMs: So clinches title for 4th straight year
Monday, July 25, 2011
Written by : Ed Andaya

Final standings:

9 points -- W. So
8 -- O. Barbosa, E. Torre
7.5 -- D. Laylo, J. Sanchez, R. Antonio, R. Bitoon, R. Nolte
6 -- M. Paragua
5.5 -- J. Gomez
5 -- R. Barcenilla, J, Garcia
4 -- R. Salvador
3 -- Y. Ranola

UNSTOPPABLE.

That was how players -- and even officials -- described the smashing performance of GM Wesley So shorltly after winning an unprecedented fourth straight title in the ‘Battle of GMs’ chess championships at the National Press Club Bldg. in Intramuros, Manila.

So capped his impressive one-man show with a pair of back-to-back draws against GM-candidate Richard Bitoon in the 12th and penultimate round and GM Darwin Laylo in the 13th and final round to finish with a runaway total of nine points on five wins and eight draws in the prestigious, 14-player competition organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by Pilipinas Shell.

The 17-year-odl Filipino champion, who is scheduled to face GM Liren Ding of China in the first round of the World Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, Rusia next month, swept his first four assignments before slowing down a bit in the next nine rounds.

“This is easily the most difficult of the four (Battle of GMs) championships, especially because there are more rounds played. But I’m happy to win the title again,” said So,. whose last setback in a local tournament came at the hands of GM Julio Catalino Sadorra in the eighth round of the 2008 President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Parañaque.

The win was also worth P150,000 for So.

Newly-crowned Campomanes Memorial Cup champion GM-candidate Oliver Barbosa and Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre shared second to third places with eight points.

Barbosa, however, clinched runner-up honors by virtue of the winner-over-the other rule.

Barbosa, who earned his second GM norm as early as th eninth round, drew with GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. in 30 moves of the London System, while Torre halved the point with GM Joseph Sanchez after 30 moves of Queen’s Pawn opening.

Five players -- Laylo, Antonio, Sanchez, Bitoon and IM Rolando Nolte -- shared at fourth to eighth places with 7.5 points.

Bitoon, who also achieved his second GM norm in th eninth round, drew with World Cup-bound GM Mark Paragua in 31 moves of a Nimzo-Indian,w hile Nolte defeated IM Yves Ranola after 33 moves of the Sicilian defense.

Paragua finished inninth place with six points, followed by GM John Paul Gomez in 10 th place with 5.5 points.

Comebacking GM Rogelio Barcenilla and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia battle dto a draw in 30 moves of the English opening to share 11 th to 12 th places with five points.

More here.

So retains battle, veteran Torre still roars

So retains Battle of GMs title
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 07/23/2011 7:08 PM | Updated as of 07/23/2011 7:08 PM

MANILA, Philippines – For the 4th straight time, Filipino chess prodigy Wesley So clinched the Battle of the Grandmasters title by winning the round robin tournament on Saturday.

The 17-year-old grandmaster from Bacoor, Cavite formalized his claim to the title by halving the point with GM Darwin Laylo in 32 moves of English Opening at the National Press Club (NPC).

So finished with a total of 9.0 points, a full point ahead of his closest rivals in the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, "Remate" and "Hataw" (JSY Publication).

He earned P150,000 for his effort.

“This is a very tough tournament. It may look easy dahil ako ‘yong nasa taas from the start. Pero alam naman natin na until the final round hindi sure kung ako ang magiging champion,” said So.

With So already out of reach, GM Eugene Torre and International Master Oliver Barbosa quickly split the point against their respective opponents.

Torre halved the point with GM Joseph Sanchez while Barbosa drew with GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr.

Both Torre and Barbosa finished with 8.0 points, but the latter nabbed the runner-up honor through the win-over-the-other rule.

Report by Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

So retains battle, veteran Torre still roars

So retains Battle of GMs title
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 07/23/2011 7:08 PM | Updated as of 07/23/2011 7:08 PM

MANILA, Philippines – For the 4th straight time, Filipino chess prodigy Wesley So clinched the Battle of the Grandmasters title by winning the round robin tournament on Saturday.

The 17-year-old grandmaster from Bacoor, Cavite formalized his claim to the title by halving the point with GM Darwin Laylo in 32 moves of English Opening at the National Press Club (NPC).

So finished with a total of 9.0 points, a full point ahead of his closest rivals in the tournament supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, "Remate" and "Hataw" (JSY Publication).

He earned P150,000 for his effort.

“This is a very tough tournament. It may look easy dahil ako ‘yong nasa taas from the start. Pero alam naman natin na until the final round hindi sure kung ako ang magiging champion,” said So.

With So already out of reach, GM Eugene Torre and International Master Oliver Barbosa quickly split the point against their respective opponents.

Torre halved the point with GM Joseph Sanchez while Barbosa drew with GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr.

Both Torre and Barbosa finished with 8.0 points, but the latter nabbed the runner-up honor through the win-over-the-other rule.

Report by Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

So closer to another title

GM So nears 4th Battle of GMs diadem
By Marlon Bernardino
Cebu Daily News 6:50 am | Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

Standings after round 11

8.0 – GM Wesley So

7.0 – IM Oliver Barbosa, GM Eugene Torre

6.5 – GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, GM Joseph Sanchez, IM Richard Bitoon

5.5 – GM Mark Paragua, IM Rolando Nolte

4.5 – GM John Paul Gomez, GM Rolando Barcenilla

4.0 – IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia

3.0 – GM Roland Salvador

2.0 – IM Yves Ranola

GRANDMASTER Wesley So chose to play it safe against GM Mark Paragua yesterday and agreed to a 31-move draw with the latter to erect a full-point lead after 11 rounds of the National Chess Championships: 4th Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club in Manila.

“Mark is a dangerous opponent. Hindi ka p’wedeng maging sobrang agresibo against him,” said So, the tournament’s three-time defending champion who raised his tally to 8.0 points.

But the 17-year-old is not out of the woods yet especially with the way GM Eugene Torre is playing.

Torre, Asia’s first Grandmaster, beat Cebuano International Master Richard Bitoon to gain a share of second place with IM Oliver Barbosa with 7.0 points. Torre won after a marathon 69-move duel of a London System Opening but admits catching up with So is wishful thinking with only two more rounds remaining in the cash-rich event.

“Medyo mahirap na habulin si Wesley dahil two rounds to go na lang, but I will give it a try,” said Torre.

Barbosa earlier drew with GM Darwin Laylo after 31 moves of Queen’s Gambit Accepted.

The loss dropped Bitoon to a share of fourth to seventh spots with Laylo and GMs Rogelio Antonio and Joseph Sanchez with 6.5 points.

Antonio drew with IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 58 moves of English Opening while Sanchez also drew with GM John Paul Gomez after 45 moves of Slav Defense.

In other matches, IM Yves Ranola stunned GM Rogelio Barcenilla Jr. after 22 moves of Sicilian while IM Rolando Nolte downed GM Roland Salvador after 63 moves of Caro Kann.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/

So closer to another title

GM So nears 4th Battle of GMs diadem
By Marlon Bernardino
Cebu Daily News 6:50 am | Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

Standings after round 11

8.0 – GM Wesley So

7.0 – IM Oliver Barbosa, GM Eugene Torre

6.5 – GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, GM Joseph Sanchez, IM Richard Bitoon

5.5 – GM Mark Paragua, IM Rolando Nolte

4.5 – GM John Paul Gomez, GM Rolando Barcenilla

4.0 – IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia

3.0 – GM Roland Salvador

2.0 – IM Yves Ranola

GRANDMASTER Wesley So chose to play it safe against GM Mark Paragua yesterday and agreed to a 31-move draw with the latter to erect a full-point lead after 11 rounds of the National Chess Championships: 4th Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club in Manila.

“Mark is a dangerous opponent. Hindi ka p’wedeng maging sobrang agresibo against him,” said So, the tournament’s three-time defending champion who raised his tally to 8.0 points.

But the 17-year-old is not out of the woods yet especially with the way GM Eugene Torre is playing.

Torre, Asia’s first Grandmaster, beat Cebuano International Master Richard Bitoon to gain a share of second place with IM Oliver Barbosa with 7.0 points. Torre won after a marathon 69-move duel of a London System Opening but admits catching up with So is wishful thinking with only two more rounds remaining in the cash-rich event.

“Medyo mahirap na habulin si Wesley dahil two rounds to go na lang, but I will give it a try,” said Torre.

Barbosa earlier drew with GM Darwin Laylo after 31 moves of Queen’s Gambit Accepted.

The loss dropped Bitoon to a share of fourth to seventh spots with Laylo and GMs Rogelio Antonio and Joseph Sanchez with 6.5 points.

Antonio drew with IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 58 moves of English Opening while Sanchez also drew with GM John Paul Gomez after 45 moves of Slav Defense.

In other matches, IM Yves Ranola stunned GM Rogelio Barcenilla Jr. after 22 moves of Sicilian while IM Rolando Nolte downed GM Roland Salvador after 63 moves of Caro Kann.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/

Torre shows vintage form as So draws

Torre shows vintage form as So draws
Published : Wednesday, July 20, 2011 00:00
Written by : Ed Andaya

Standings after six rounds:

5 points -- W. So
4 -- E. Torre, D. Laylo, O, Barbosa
3.5 -- R. Nolte, R. Bitoon
3 -- R. Antonio, M. Paragua
2.5 -- J. Gomez, R. Barcenilla, J. Garcia, J. Sanchez
1.5 -- R. Salvador
.5 -- Y. Ranola

Pairings for seventh round:
(White player first)
R. Antonio vs. Y. Ranola; R. Salvador vs. J. Sanchez; R. Barcenilla vs. D. Laylo; R. Nolte vs. R. Bitoon; J. Garcia vs. M. Paragua; J. Gomez vs. W. So; O. Barbosa vs. E. Torre.

WITH top seed GM Wesley So settling for a pair of back-to-back draws, Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre rediscovered his old, deadly form to vault in contention in the 2011 Battle of GMs’ chess championships at the National Press Club Bldg., in Intramuros, Manila.

Torre, who is still seeking his first major chess championship since winning the third President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall-Parañaque in 2008, outwitted Asian Youth gold medalist IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia in the fifth round and GM John Paul Gomez the following round to strenthen his chances with four points on three wins, two draws and one loss.

The 59-year-old campaigner defeated Garcia in 62 moves of the English opening, and Gomez in 32 moves of the Queen’s Pawn opening.

The twin victories were enough to propel Torre to a three-way tie for second to fourth places with GM Darwin Laylo and newly-crowned 2011 Campomanes Cup titlist IM Oliver Barbosa.

The three, however, remains a full point behind three-time defending champion GM Wesley So in this prestigious, 14-player competition supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

So, who swept his first four assignments with surprising ease, drew with IM Rolando Nolte in the fifth round late Monday and Garcia in the sixth round Tuesday to raise his score to five points.

Laylo drew with GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. in 30 moves of the Caro Kann and GM Roland Salvador in 31 moves of the French, while Barbosa halved the point with Gomez in 31 moves of the Slav and won over IM Yves Ranola in 78 moves of the Reti.

IM Richard Bitoon and Nolte shared fifth to sixth places with 3.5 points.

Bitoon defeated GM Roland Salvador but lost to GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. while Nolte drew with So and Asian Zone runner-up GM Mark Paragua.

Antonio, seeded second behind So with an ELO of 2565, split th e point with Sanchez in 30 moves of the Caro Kann to remain in the hunt for the top prize of P150,000 with three points.

More here.

Torre shows vintage form as So draws

Torre shows vintage form as So draws
Published : Wednesday, July 20, 2011 00:00
Written by : Ed Andaya

Standings after six rounds:

5 points -- W. So
4 -- E. Torre, D. Laylo, O, Barbosa
3.5 -- R. Nolte, R. Bitoon
3 -- R. Antonio, M. Paragua
2.5 -- J. Gomez, R. Barcenilla, J. Garcia, J. Sanchez
1.5 -- R. Salvador
.5 -- Y. Ranola

Pairings for seventh round:
(White player first)
R. Antonio vs. Y. Ranola; R. Salvador vs. J. Sanchez; R. Barcenilla vs. D. Laylo; R. Nolte vs. R. Bitoon; J. Garcia vs. M. Paragua; J. Gomez vs. W. So; O. Barbosa vs. E. Torre.

WITH top seed GM Wesley So settling for a pair of back-to-back draws, Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre rediscovered his old, deadly form to vault in contention in the 2011 Battle of GMs’ chess championships at the National Press Club Bldg., in Intramuros, Manila.

Torre, who is still seeking his first major chess championship since winning the third President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall-Parañaque in 2008, outwitted Asian Youth gold medalist IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia in the fifth round and GM John Paul Gomez the following round to strenthen his chances with four points on three wins, two draws and one loss.

The 59-year-old campaigner defeated Garcia in 62 moves of the English opening, and Gomez in 32 moves of the Queen’s Pawn opening.

The twin victories were enough to propel Torre to a three-way tie for second to fourth places with GM Darwin Laylo and newly-crowned 2011 Campomanes Cup titlist IM Oliver Barbosa.

The three, however, remains a full point behind three-time defending champion GM Wesley So in this prestigious, 14-player competition supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

So, who swept his first four assignments with surprising ease, drew with IM Rolando Nolte in the fifth round late Monday and Garcia in the sixth round Tuesday to raise his score to five points.

Laylo drew with GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. in 30 moves of the Caro Kann and GM Roland Salvador in 31 moves of the French, while Barbosa halved the point with Gomez in 31 moves of the Slav and won over IM Yves Ranola in 78 moves of the Reti.

IM Richard Bitoon and Nolte shared fifth to sixth places with 3.5 points.

Bitoon defeated GM Roland Salvador but lost to GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. while Nolte drew with So and Asian Zone runner-up GM Mark Paragua.

Antonio, seeded second behind So with an ELO of 2565, split th e point with Sanchez in 30 moves of the Caro Kann to remain in the hunt for the top prize of P150,000 with three points.

More here.

So maintains a point lead at National Championship

Wesley held to consecutive draws
By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
July 20, 2011, 4:22pm

MANILA, Philippines — Grandmaster Wesley So drew his second straight match Tuesday but retained a one-point lead in the National Chess Championship: Battle of the Grandmasters at the National Press Club.

So, held to a draw by International Master Rolando Nolte Monday, halved the point with IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 44 moves of a King's Indian to improve his total to 5 points, a full point ahead of GM Darwin Laylo, GM Eugene Torre and IM Oliver Barbosa.

Laylo split the point with GM Roland Salvador in 31 moves of a French game; Torre trounced Gomez after 32 moves of a Queen's Pawn, and Barbosa outlasted IM Yves Ranola in 78 moves of a Reti Opening.

Nolte drew with GM Mark Paragua after 46 moves of a Sicilian to share fifth spot with IM Richard Bitoon with 3.5 points apiece.

Bitoon lost to comebacking GM Rogelio Barcenilla Jr. in 38 moves of a Queen’s Pawn London System. Tied with identical 3 points were GMs Joey Antonio and Mark Paragua.

Antonio drew with GM Joseph Sanchez in 27 moves of a Caro Kann while Paragua halved the point with IM Rolando Nolte in 46 moves of a Sicilian.

Barcenilla boosted his tally to 2.5 points in the company of Sanchez, Gomez and Garcia.

More here.

Perfection so far for So!

Unstoppable
Published : Tuesday, July 19, 2011 00:00
Written by : Ed Andaya

Standings after four rounds:

4 points -- W. So
3 -- D. Laylo
2.5 -- R. Nolte, O. Barbosa, R. Bitoon
2 -- J. Garcia, R. Antonio, E. Torre, J. Gomez
1.5 -- R. Barcenilla, M. Paragua
1 -- J. Sanchez, R. Salvador

Pairings for fifth round:
(White player first)

J. Sanchez vs. Y. Ranola; R. Antonio vs. D. Laylo; R. Salvador vs. R. Bitoon; R. Barcenilla vs. M. Paragua; R. Nolte vs. W. So; J. Garcia vs. E. Torre; J. Gomez vs. O. Barbosa.

TOP seed GM Wesley So is making chess look as easy as reciting the alphabet.

In fact, it was so easy that even well-known chess analysts NM Glen Bordonada could not help but compare his recent games to legendary chess champion Jose Raoul Capablanca of Cuba.

So, at 17 the brightest chess player to come out in this side of the chess universe, racked up two more wins against GM Roland Salvador in the third round and GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. in the fourth round to assume the solo lead with a perfect score of four points in the 2011 ‘Battle of GMs’ chess championships at the National Press Club Bldg. in Intramuros, Manila.

The multi-titled campaigner from Bacoor, Cavite, who is seeking his fourth straight Battle of GMs title, defeated Salvador in 68 moves of the Queen’s Pawn opening and Barcenilla in 35 moves of the King’s Indian defense to take a one-point lead over GM Darwin Laylo in this prestigious 14-player, 13-round tournament.

So, whose last defeat in a local tournament came at the hands of GM Julio Catalino Sadorra in the eighth round of the 2008 PGMA Cup in Parañaque on Sept. 12, also won over GM Joseph Sanchez in the first round and GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. in the second round.

“Wesley’s games in this tournament remind me of Capablanca’s seemingly effortless wins,” said Bordonada, referring to the former world chess champion ( 1921-27) from Cuba ,who was nicknamed “Human Chess Machine” during his playing days.

Laylo, who topped the recent Pichay Cup in Subic, defeated IM Yves Ranola in 35 moves of the Bogo-Indian in the third round late Sunday and Sanchez in 45 moves of the Slav the following round to stay in the hunt for the P150,000 top prize with three points out of a possible four.

Three players -- IM Rolando Nolte, IM Oliver Barbosa and IM Richard Bitoon -- share third to fifth places with 2.5 points.

Nolte, one of five IMs in the field, drew with Barbosa in the third round and GM Eugene Torre in the fourth round.

Barbosa halved the point with Nolte and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, while Bitoon split the point with Sanchez and Antonio.

Garcia, who earned his IM title during the Asian Zone 3.3 championships in Tagaytay City last month, drew his matches against GM John Paul Gomez in the third round and Barbosa in the fourth round to lead three other players with two points.

The group included Torre, Antonio and Gonez.

In post-game analysis, Salvador admitted making a dubious move against So on the 42nd, which could have put more pressure on black in an endgame where both players went under time pressure.

The Europe-based Sanchez said 42. h3 is a lot better than 42. Rg3.

“I think it was a big mistake ( Rg3),” claimed Sanchez.

So, however, had an easier time against Barcenilla the following round.

Barcenilla, who earned the elusive GM title only this year, recalled having played a similar game against So in the internet Chess Club.

But the Texas-based Filipino, who rose to prominence by winning the Asian junior chess championships twice, claimed he got confused in the continuation and lost badly wityh the black pieces.

Bordonada, who is analyzing So’s games for the Barangay Wesley, said Barcenilla’s knight sacrifice was actually the third best move for black after Qa6 and Nxd5.

“Black’s position at that point was lost. Baka nainis na si Banjo (Barcenilla) sa position kaya nag-sacrifice na lang,” noted Bordonada.

More here.

So scores again

So books 2nd win in Battle of GMs
Cebu Daily News 7:15 am | Monday, July 18th, 2011

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

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net

Two share lead at Battle of the GMs

So, Bitoon in big starts in Battle of GMs
Published : Sunday, July 17, 2011 00:00
Written by : Ed Andaya

Standings after first round:

1 points -- W. So, R. Bitoon
.5 -- R. Antonio, E. Torre, M. Paragua, D. Laylo, J. Gomez, R. Barcenilla, O. Barbosa, R. Salvador, R. Nolte, J. Garcia
0 -- J. Sanchez, Y. Ranola

Pairings for second round:

W. So vs. R. Antonio, Y. Ranola vs. J. Garcia, J. Gomez vs. R. Nolte, O. Barbosa vs. R. Barcenilla, E. Torre vs. R. Salvador, M. Paragua vs. J. Sanchez, R. Bitoon vs. D. Laylo.

DEFENDING champion GM Wesley So served notice of his title-retention bid with a masterful win over GM Joseph Sanchez at the start of the fourth ‘Battle of GMs’ chess championship at the National Press Club Bldg. in Intramuros, Manila.

So, who finished a fighting fourth in the recent AAI chess tournament in New Delhi, India early this month, played almost flawlessly to subdue the Europe-based Sanchez in only 35 moves of the Sicilian Najdorf.

“Medyo mahirap pero napagtiyagaan sa huli,” said the 17-year-old Filipino champion, who is hoping to assert his supremacy in local chess for thefourth straight year.

The pride of Bacoor, Cavite is also hoping to redeem himself after watching his FIDE rating drop to No. 89 in the latest list from a high of No. 75.

Up next for So in the tough, 14-player, 13-round competition which offers the top prize of P150,000 is GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. who split the point with Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre in 31 moves of the King’s Pawn game.

Sharing the limelight with So is GM-candidate Richard Bitoon, who made short work of IM Yves Ranola in only 24 moves of the English opening.

Bitoon, the multi-awarded campaigner from Medelin, Cebu, pounced on a fatal blunder by Ranola -- 22. f5 -- to eke out the win.

With the prospect of losing his queen, Ranola resigned two moves later.

“Maganda yung chances ko, especially after nung blunder niya. Meron pang mating attack ako ,” said Bitoon when asked about the victory..

Newly-crowned Campomanes Memorial Cup champion IM Oliver Barbosa also settled for with GM Roland Salvador in 31 moves of another Sicilian to lead a big group of players with half point.

“Mahirap pilitin kaya ayos na din itong tabla sa first round,” said Barbosa, who is also fresh from topping the AFPI “Chess for a Cause” tournament at the Philippine Army gym in Fort Bonifacio.

Also drawing their matches were World Cup qualifier GM Mark Paragaua and Pichay Cup champion GM Darwin Laylo in 35 moves of the Sicilian; comebacking two-time Asian junior champion GM Rogelio Barcenilla Jr.. and GM John Paul Gomez in 31 moves of another Sicilian; and IM Rolando Nolte against IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia.

Barcenilla, who topped the Asian junior championship in Dubai, UAE in 1989 and Calicut, India in 1991, is making his first appearance in the country since achieving his long-overdue GM title during the recent FIDE Congress.

The annual tournament is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), , National Press Club and Pilipinas Shell.

Source: http://www.journal.com.ph

So beats Sanchez in opener

So beats Sanchez in Battle of GMs
Cebu Daily News 7:53 am | Sunday, July 17th, 2011

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

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net

Battle of the GMs

4th Battle of the Grandmasters
Philippines National Chess Championship on 16-23rd July in Intramuros, Manila

The Philippines National Chess Championship - 4th Battle of the Grandmasters is starting today at the historic National Press Club (NPC) in Intramuros, Manila, and continues until 23rd July. 14 players compete in the Men's Division and 12 in the Women's Division. Both tournament will be conducted as round-robins.

GM Wesley So is top seeded player and winner of the previous three editions of the Battle of the Grandmasters. GM John Paul Gomez, who finished second to So last year, considers the youngster to be the main favourite once again - "My chance of winning is good against anybody not named Wesley," he said for Cebu Daily News.

Former two-time Asian Junior champion GM Rogelio Barcenilla Jr. makes his much-anticipated comeback in the local chess scene. Barcenilla is resident in the USA, where he also completed requirements for the Grandmaster title in 2009.

GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., 12-time national champion and second seed in the tournament, also insisted that "So is definitely the favorite to rule this tournament."

4th Battle of the Grandmasters:

GM So Wesley 2658
GM Antonio Rogelio Jr 2565
GM Paragua Mark 2545
GM Sanchez Joseph 2534
GM Gomez John Paul 2529
GM Laylo Darwin 2528
GM Salvador Roland 2527
GM Barcenilla Rogelio 2518
IM Barbosa Oliver 2514
IM Bitoon Richard 2491
GM Torre Eugenio 2491
IM Nolte Rolando 2433
IM Garcia Jan Emmanuel 2404
IM Ranola Yves 2377

4th Battle of the Grandmasters (Women's division):

WIM Perena Catherine 2104
Fronda Jan Jodilyn 2076
WIM Mendoza Beverly 2054
Docena Jedara 2049
WFM Jose Rulp Ylem 2024
WFM Mejia Cherry Ann 1949
Frayna Janelle Mae 1875
Palomo Jenny Rose 1875
Acedo Rowelyn Joy 0
Mendoza Shania Mae 0
Revita Samantha Glo 0
San Diego Marie Antoinette 0

Overwhelming favorite

Battle of GMs on Saturday

By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

July 15, 2011, 11:14pm

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

2500-barrier in average Elo ratings for National Championship

Tough Battle of GMs unfolds tomorrow
By Marlon Bernardino
Cebu Daily News 7:06 am | Friday, July 15th, 2011

FOR the first time in Philippine chess history, a national championship breached the 2500-barrier in average Elo ratings as the Battle of the Grandmasters unfolds tomorrow at the National Press Club (NPC) in Intramuros, Manila.

Grandmaster Wesley So (Elo 2658) will be gunning for his fourth straight victory in the prestigious event organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and sponsored by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), NPC, Remate and Hataw.

But So will have his hands full this time with eight other GMs and a mix of established and upcoming stars expected to gang up on him in the Category 11 tournament which has an average rating of 2508.

The five international masters competing this year need to score 8.5 points to get a GM norm. A Closed tournament with no foreign participant should be a national championship in nature to have GM norms up for grabs.

“This is a huge step forward in our bid to produce more grandmasters,” said NCFP chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr.

There are currently 13 active Filipino GMs including eight conferred during Pichay’s time as head of the local chess governing body.

Six of the GMs produced under Pichay’s leadership will see action in the tournament that concludes on July 23 including So, Darwin Laylo (Elo 2528), John Paul Gomez (Elo 2529), Cebuano Joseph Sanchez (Elo 2534), Roland Salvador (Elo 2527) and Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla (Elo 2518).

While the young guns are dominating the headlines lately, it’s hard to count out the three biggest stars of the pre-Pichay era.

Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre (Elo 2491) and 12-time national champion GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio (2565) are out to prove they still have enough gas in the tank to fuel their drive for another title while GM Mark Paragua (Elo 2545) is aching to get back to the ranks of super GMs.

“Anything can happen in a round robin competition,” said Torre, the most successful local player in Closed tournaments.

IMs Oliver Barbosa (Elo 2514), Cebuano Richard Bitoon (Elo 2491), Rolando Nolte (Elo 2433), Jan Emmanuel Garcia (Elo 2404) and Yves Ranola (Elo 2377) are also expected to contend for more than just a GM norm.

In the distaff side, former Far Eastern University standout Woman National Master Rulp Ylem Jose will try to defend her title against a strong field that includes two WIMs in Catherine Perena and Beverly Mendoza.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net

Aiming for another title

So shoots for 4th Battle of GMs title
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 07/14/2011 7:44 PM | Updated as of 07/14/2011 7:44 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Grandmaster (GM) Wesley So will begin his title retention bid in the Battle of the Grandmasters National Championship on Saturday (July 16) at the National Press Club (NPC), in Intramuros, Manila.

So will be gunning for his 4th straight title in the event organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

He will have his hands full this time as 8 other GMs and a mixture of established and upcoming stars gang up on him in the Category 11 tournament (average ELO rating of 2508).

The 5 international masters (IM) participating this year need to score at least 8.5 points to get a GM norm.

The event was declared a “closed tournament," which means that the competition will be limited to local players only.

“This is a huge step forward in our bid to produce more grandmasters in our country,” said NCFP President Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr.

Seeing action in the tournament are GMs Darwin Laylo, John Paul Gomez, Joseph Sanchez, Roland Salvador, Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla, Eugene Torre, GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio, and Mark Paragua.

“Anything can happen in a round-robin competition,” said Torre, the most successful local player in closed tournaments.

IMs Oliver Barbosa, Richard Bitoon, Rolando Nolte, Jan Emmanuel Garcia and Yves Ranola are also competing.

In the distaff side, Woman National Master (WNM) Rulp Ylem Jose will try to defend her title against a strong field that includes Woman International Masters (WIMs) Catherine Perena and Beverly Mendoza.

The event is sponsored by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), NPC, Remate and Hataw. – By Marlon Bernardino

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com