Paragua downs Bitoon, gains share of lead

MANILA, Philippines - Mark Paragua pulled off a crucial victory over fellow GM Richard Bitoon to tie IM Oliver Dimakiling in the lead after 12 rounds of the National Open Chess Championships at the Cabagnot Training Center in Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan yesterday.

Paragua, a former three-time SEA Games gold medal winner and veteran internationalist, outplayed Bitoon in their Catalan Opening game and hacked out the victory after 29 moves, raising his totals to 18 points and boosting his bid for a first-ever National Open crown.

Dimakiling, who has led the star-studden field the last two rounds, settled for a draw against IM Emmanuel Senador in a rook-and-pawn endgame and dropped to a share of the lead.

GM Darwin Laylo beat GM Roland Salvador to grab solo third with 15.5 points while GM Julio Catalino Sadorra forced top seed GM Oliver Barbosa to a draw for 14.5 points.

GM Eugene Torre outclassed Giovanni Mejia to improve to 14 points in a tie with GM Joey Antonio, who bowed to FIDE Master Haridas Pascua.

The event offers three outright seats in the men’s national team competing in next month’s Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey.

GM Wesley So is already assured of a slot while the National Chess Federation of the Philippines has the option to pick the fifth player of the men’s team.

Meanwhile, WIM Catherine Perena downed Akiko Charmaine Suede to remain in solo lead in women’s play with 19 points.

WNM Janelle Mae Frayna kept the leader in sight after toppling Mira Mirano.

The race for the third outright spot in the women’s Olympic team became wide open as WNM Jedara Docena fell to Woman FIDE Master Marie Antoinette San Diego and Bernadette Galas lost to WFM Rulp Ylem Jose.

Docena remained in third with 14.5 points and Galas in fourth with 14 points, but WFM Cherry Ann Mejia and Jean Karen Enriquez stood just two points behind at 12.