Bitoon, Fronda top Battle of GMs

Final Standings:

Open Division – Bitoon, Antonio 14, Pascua 11, Torre, Laylo, Gomez. Turqueza 10, Docena 9, Bersamina, Abelgas 8, Frayna 6.

Women’s Division – Fronda 11.5, Perena-Secopito, San Diego 11, Suede, Enriquez 10, Bernales 8.5, Lozano, Membrere, Mendoza 8, Pineda 4.

MANILA, Philippines - Grandmaster Richard Bitoon drew his last two matches and emerged with a superior tiebreak over fellow GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio to capture his first title in the 2015 Battle of Grandmasters-National Chess Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission Athletes Dining Hall, RMSC, Vito Cruz, Manila.

The 39-year old Medellin, Cebu native and Olympiad veteran Antonio emerged tied with 14 points after Antonio outlasted 17-year old NM Jerad Docena in the 11th round.

Antonio’s last-round victory, however, was not enough to prevent Bitoon from taking the title, his first since topping the Far East Bank National Chess Open as a 22-year old back in 1988.

Antonio, who took a leave from active competition due to health issues, settled for second place.

International Master Haridas Pascua, who was tied with Antonio after eight rounds with 10 points, also drew his last two matches to gain solo third with 11 points.

In the women’s divison WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda also drew her last two matches, but still emerged champion after defending women’s champion WIM Catherine-Perena Secopito lost to untitled Brena Mae Membrere in the ninh round.

Fronda finished with 11. 5 points using the Torre-Pichay scoring system.