Fernan, who figured out in a draw with Jobannie Tabada in the sixth round, accumulated a total of five points to take the lead.
Tabada, who also finished with five points after the sixth round, trailed Fernan after only getting 23 Bucholz (BH), compared to Fernand's 25.
Taking the third to tenth were Eden Diano with five points (23 BH), Rommel Asoque with five points (22 1/2 BH), Anthony Makinano with five points (21 BH), Jason Bermudo with five points (19 BH), Voltaire Sevillano with 4.5 points (24 1/2 BH), Boon Rainauld Tibod with 4.5 points (21 1/2 BH), Rodrigo Alejandre with 4.5 points (20 1/2 BH) and Joel Pacuribot with 4.5 points (20 BH).
Diano and Makinao both declared a draw with Makinao using a Queen's Gambit Opening while Asoque ruled over Miguel Banibane Jr. using the Alekhine's Defense. With a Center Counter Opening, Bermudo won against Mark Dion Alunan.
Sevillano, using a King's Gambit Opening, powered out Erwin Ababat. With 18 moves and using the Reti Opening, Tibod won over Allan Salientes.
Edwel Alesna, on the other hand, lost with Alejandre's Pirc Opening.
Pacuribot with a Center Counter Opening won against Harold Diano with 57 moves.
The seventh and last round was still being played as of press time last night and the top ten players will be sent to Manila for the National selection for the 37th Chess Olympiad in Italy. - Marigold P. Lebumfacil