Laylo rips Torre in Guangzhou buildup

MANILA, Philippines - Darwin Laylo outduelled fellow GM Eugene Torre in 44 moves of the Larsen Opening at the start of the NCFP men’s training tournament for the 16th Asian Games held at the LWUA Bldg. in Diliman, Quezon City.

Laylo, the country’s No. 4 player, surprised Torre with the black and gained a slight initiative in the middle game en route to the victory.

Top seed GM Wesley So settled for a draw with GM John Paul Gomez in 51 moves of the Slav, while GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. also halved the point with IM Oliver Barbosa in 54 moves of the Sicilian defense in the two other matches.

The NCFP put up the 10-round competition as part of the team’s preparations for the Asian Games slated Nov. 12-27 in Guangzhou, China.

Except for Barbosa, all five players will represent the country in the coming Asiad.