wesley so wins in the 2nd round of the Philippines battle of grandmasters

Intramuros, Manila

SOURCE: Philippine Daily Inquirer

So, the world’s youngest Grandmaster at 14, bested GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. in 50 moves of the Caro Kann Defense last night to share the lead with International Master John Paul Gomez after two rounds in the 2008 Battle of GMs chess championship at the Bayside Hall, City State Hotel in Mabini Ave. corner Padre Faura, Manila.

Gomez thwarted Singapore-based GM Buenaventura “Bong” Villamayor in 41 moves of the Benko Opening to boost his chances for the P200,000 top purse.

Right behind the leaders with 1.5 points were Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre, NM Hamed Nouri and IM Richard Bitoon.

Despite handling black for the second straight game, Torre beat Fide Master Fernie Donguines in 56 moves of the Alekhine.

Nouri, the pride of Escalante, Negros, stunned GM Jayson Gonzales in 27 moves of the London Opening; while Bitoon crushed NM Oliver Barbosa after 41 moves of a Sicilian.

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Standings after Round 2
Men: 2 points–W. So, J. Gomez; 1.5–E. Torre, R. Bitoon, N. Hamed; 0.5–R. Antonio, J. Gonzales, B. Villamayor, F. Donguines, O. Barbosa, R. Nolte, J. Sadorra

Women: 2–Shercila Cua; 1.5–C. Perena, Sherily Cua, Y. Jose; 1–A. Salvador, J. Docena, C. Bernales; .5–J. Palomo C. Camacho, K. Cunanan, B. Mendoza, E. Magno