Mandaluyong-A shares lead in inter-cities chess

Standings after four rounds:

Mandaluyong City, Marikina City-MCF, Pandayan, Meycauayan, Baguio City-Goldrich 3.5 points; Quezon City A, Palo, Leyte 3.0; Taguig A, Quezon City B, Pasay City, Davao City San Rafael, Bulacan, Balanga City, Bacolod City 2.5.

With Grandmaster Joey Antonio leading the charge, Mandaluyong City repulsed Taguig A, 3.5-.5 (1-0), to gain a piece of the lead in the fourth round of the 2003 National Inter-Cities and Municipalities Chess Team Championship yesterday at the second floor, Multi-purpose Gymnasium, Philippine Science High School, Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

Last year’s runner-up behind Quezon City, Mandaluyong has 3.5 points after four rounds in a four-way tie with the Chito Garma-led Marikina-MCF team, Pandayan, Meycauayan and Baguio City-Goldrich led by Fide Master Fernia Donguines.

But going into the fifth round of this nine-round event hosted and sponsored by the Quezon City government headed by Mayor Sonny Belmonte Jr., Mandaluyong City holds a slight edge on game points with 12 to Marikina City’s 11.

Antonio, who lost to NM Rodrigo Atutobo in the second round, quickly recovered with two straight wins, including yesterday’s fourth-round victory over International Master Jayson Gonzales. <