MANILA, Philippines - International Master Oliver Dimakiling downed FIDE Master Haridas Pascua to grab the solo lead in the eighth round of the National Open Chess Championships at the Paraw Club in Boracay yesterday.
Erstwhile co-leaders Grandmasters Joey Antonio and Darwin Laylo fell to GMs Rolando Salvador and Banjo Barcenilla, respectively, enabling Dimakiling to seize the solo lead with 12 points in the event dubbed as Battle of the GMs.
Dimakiling improved to 12.0 points while Antonio and Laylo were stuck at 10.0.
GM Mark Paragua beat FM Randy Segarra to wrest solo second with 11 points while GM Eugene Torre held GM Oliver Barbosa to a draw to catch up with Antonio and Laylo at 10 points.