So dismantles Antonio, keeps lead

MANILA, Philippines - World Cup-bound Wesley So dismantled fellow GM Joey Antonio to annex his second straight win for the solo lead even as GM Eugene Torre beat Europe-based GM Roland Salvador in the fourth Battle of GMs at the NPC Auditorium yesterday.

So, who outplayed GM Joseph Sanchez in the opener, outwitted Antonio in their Queen’s Pawn game in 32 moves to remain on track in his bid for a fourth straight title in the Category 11 event with an average rating of 2508.

So, priming up for the World Cup in Russia in August, remains wary of his title chances.

“It’s always been a nice feeling winning a game against one of the people you look up to but it’s too early to celebrate,” said So.

Meanwhile, Torre used his experience and endgame brilliance to beat Salvador in 52 moves of a Queen’s Pawn London System game.

The win moved Torre within So with 1.5 points in a tie with GM candidates Rolando Nolte, Oliver Barbosa and Richard Bitoon.

Nolte, who fought teen sensation IMJan Emmanuel Garcia to a marathon draw Saturday night, and Barbosa, who split the point with Salvador in the first round, also came through with big wins as they humbled GM John Paul Gomez and US-based GM Banjo Barcenilla, respectively.

Bitoon, who disposed of IM Yves Ranola in the first round, scrambled for a 30-move draw with GM Darwin Laylo of a Caro-Kann encounter.

The event is supported by Pilipinas Shell, Manila Pavilion Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, NPC, Remate and Hataw.

In other results, Ranolia drew with Garcia in 79 moves of a Pirc Defense and GMs Mark Paragua and Sanchez split the point in 31 moves of a Slav game.

In women’s action, defending champion Woman FIDE Master Rulp Ylem Jose notched her second win over Jenny Rose Palomo to share the lead with WIM Catherine Perena, WFM Cherry Ann Mejia and Woman NM Janelle Mae Frayna.