Gomez outwits Bitoon

MANILA, Philippines - Grandmaster John Paul Gomez outwitted GM Richard Bitoon in their Old Indian’s game and notched his third straight victory in the Battle of the GMs Chess Championships at the PSC Bldg. in Vito Cruz, Manila Monday.

Gomez, who beat GM Darwin Laylo and IM Emmanuel Senador in the first two rounds, needed 35 moves to dispose of Bitoon and stay ahead of the elite field featuring the country’s leading players.

GM Joey Antonio defeated IM Joel Pimentel after 39 moves of Nimzo-Indian defense to move to solo second with 2.5 points while Senador, who held GM Eugene Torre to a draw in the first round and lost by default to Gomez, rebounded with a victory over Fide Master Jony Habla after 34 moves of Catalan Opening to lead the 1.5-point scorers.

GM Rogelio Barcenilla Jr. settled for a third straight draw, this time against National Master Narquinden Reyes after 30 moves of King’s Indian defense.

In other results, Torre drew with IM Richilieu Salcedo III after 49 moves of Old Indian defense, Laylo halved the point with last year’s champion GM Mark Paragua after 57 moves of Sicilian defense and GM Oliver Barbosa also split the point with FM Roderick Nava after 56 moves of Queen’s Pawn Game.

In women’s play, Woman International Masters Janelle Mae Frayna and Beverly Mendoza beat their respective rivals to share the lead with three points.

Frayna, playing out of FEU, toppled Woman Fide Master Shania Mae Mendoza after 45 moves of English Opening while Mendoza trounced Lucelle Bermundo after 39 moves of Dutch defense.

In other results, defending champion WIM Catherine Perena beat Rulp Ylem Jose after 46 moves of Old Indian defense, Cherry Ann Mejia edged Gladys Hazelle Romero after 63 moves of Queens Gambit Accepted, Ynna Sophia Canape upset Woman National Master Jedara Docena after 47 moves of Kings Indian defense and Jean Karen Enriquez defeated Bernadette Galas after 42 moves of French defense.