Mandaluyong paces inter-cities chess

MANILA, Philippines - FIDE Master David Elorta and Francis Glen Panes took charge as Mandaluyong again beat Tandag, 3-1, to clinch a berth in the crossover semifinals of the National Inter-Cities and Municipalities Chess Team Championships at the Tanauan Event Center in Tanauan.

Barring a lopsided loss in the final round against Tanauan-Shopper’s Mart and a huge win by Bacolod Negros/Nica against Tandag, Mandaluyong will get the top seeding in the crossover semis.

Elorta and Panes delivered the wins again for Mandaluyong, which kept the solo lead with 12 points heading to the final round.

Elorta beat IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia while Panes toppled Jimson Bitoon even as Joey Antonio halved the point with fellow GM Richard Bitoon and Jose Vito Tapulgo salvaged a draw from a losing position against Sherwin Tiu.

Elorta also upended IM Rolando Nolte and Panes downed Andrew Casiano in Mandaluyong’s fifth round victory over Tanauan City-Faith late Saturday.

Bacolod swept Lima-Malvar, Batangas for second with 10 points while Tanauan City-Shopper’s Mart shocked pre-tournament favorite Tagaytay City, 2.5-1.5, to stay in the hunt with nine points. Also in contention are Tandag, San Juan City-B and FEU-Manila.

San Juan City-B trounced Bohol-Matwood, 3-1, while FEU-Manila beat Tanauan, 2.5-1.5.