Gomez halts Salcedo, keeps GMs chess lead

MANILA, Philippines - Grandmaster John Paul Gomez bested International Master Richilieu Salcedo III to remain on top after four rounds of the Battle of the GMs Chess Championships at the PSC Administration Bldg. in Vito Cruz, Manila yesterday.

Gomez defended well with the French and pounced on Salcedo’s weak move on the 18th to seize control before completing a 30-move win to improve his total to 12 points under the Torre-Pichay scoring system which gives three points to a win, 1.5 points to a draw and zero to a loss. A stalemate is also equivalent to 1.5 points for the last player to make a move and 0.5 to the player who can no longer make a move.

Salcedo, playing out of FEU, blundered on 18th with a knight move on d2, enabling Gomez to make a pawn push at g5 that threatened Salcedo’s dark bishop at f4 square to give his Queen space.

“It could’ve been a draw with a Qh5 move instead of Nd2, which forced him to give up his bishop to free his embattled Queen,” said Gomez.

GM Joey Antonio Jr. drew with GM Eugene Torre after 31 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening for nine points on two wins and two draws.

IM Joel Pimentel toppled National Master Narquinden Reyes after 28 moves of Benko Gamit defense and improved to 7.5 points on two wins, one draw and one loss in a tie with IM Emmanuel Senador, who shocked defending champion GM Mark Paragua after 28 moves of Sicilian defense.

US-based GM Banjo Barcenilla defeated Fide Master Roderick Nava after 57 moves of English Opening to stay in the hunt with 6.5 points on a win and three draws. 

GM Oliver Barbosa posted his fourth straight draw, this time against GM Darwin Laylo in 31 moves of King’s Indian Attack for six points in a tie with GM Richard Bitoon, who trounced FM Jony Habla after 24 moves of Caro-Kann defense.

In women’s play, WIMs Janelle Mae Frayna and Beverly Mendoza stayed in the lead with identical four wins.

Frayna disposed of Arvie Lozano in 75 moves of King’s Indian attack, while Mendoza defeated WIM Catherine Perena in 39 moves of Center Counter game.

WNM Jedara Docena subdued Lucelle Bermundo in 28 moves of Modern Defense while WIM Bernadette Galas smashed WFM Rulp Ylem Jose in 56 moves of Queens Gambit Declined.

Villa Mae Cabrera drew with Jean Karen Enriquez in 54 moves of Sicilian defense.