Laylo, Dableo, Docena make it to Doha

International Masters Darwin Laylo and Ronald Dableo and fast-rising Jedara Docena will be the country’s representatives to the chess competitions in the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

Laylo outduelled NM Roland Joseph Perez in the penultimate round and then drew with NM Rolando Nolte in the final round to emerge the overall champion at the close of the 11-round Swiss system event at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Laylo, a 26-year old campaigner from Lipa City, finished with nine points, half a point ahead of Dableo and four others.

Dableo, however, took the second and last berth in the Asiad team with a higher tiebreak score over IMs Oliver Dimakiling and Yves Ranola, Ali Brazuela and Nolte.

"I’m very happy with this win. I really tried my best to win and join the team to the Asian Games," said Laylo in Filipino.

Laylo obtained a GM norm in the recent Malaysian Open.

Dableo, who drew with GM Nelson Mariano II in the penultimate round, clinched the second berth with a victory over fellow IM Richard Bitoon.

Dimakiling, who shared the lead with Laylo after the penultimate round, dropped out of contention following a heartbreaking 34-move loss to Ranola in their French encounter.

A draw against Ranola would have been enough for Dimakiling to clinch a spot in the Asiad squad.

Docena, on the other hand, made it to Doha by upending former national women’s champion Cristine Rose Mariano.

Docena finished in a two-way tie for first place with WIM Beverly Mendoza, who defeated WNM Enerose Magno.

But Docena edged Mendoza in the tiebreak.