Antonio keeps lead as Abelgas halts Frayna

MANILA, Philippines - National Master Roel Abelgas beat WIM Janelle Mae Frayna to post the lone win in a draw-filled day, enabling GM Joey Antonio to keep the solo lead after six rounds of the 2015 Battle of Grandmasters-National Chess Championship at the Philippine Sports Commission Athletes’ Dining Hall at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Tuesday.

Abelgas, from Cavite, checkmated Frayna on the 80th move of their Gruenfeld match, hiking his output to six points for joint fifth with GMs Eugene Torre, John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo and NM Jerad Docena.

That was two points behind Antonio, who kept his hold of the lead with eight points after splitting the point with fellow GM Laylo.

The many-time Olympian said that despite an earlier loss to NM Haridas Pascua, he remains on track for the crown in the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and supported by the PSC.

“So far, so good despite my setback to Pascua. With solid preparation, I hope to continue winning games,” said Antonio.

Also drawing their matches were Torre and top seed Gomez; Fide Master Joseph Mari Turqueza and GM Richard Bitoon; and IM Paulo Bersamina against IM Haridas Pascua.

Bitoon, currently at second spot with seven points, and Antonio were disputing the lead at presstime.

Pascua and Turqueza are tied for third with six points, while Torre, Laylo, NM Jerad Docena and Gomez have five points apiece.

In women’s play, WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda topped Arvie Lozano to remain in the lead with eight points after five rounds.

The two other fifth-round winners were WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego, who downed Judith Pineda, and WM Mikee Charlene Suede, who defeated WNM Karen Jean Enriquez.