Philippine National Finals: 3 GMS, in dissapointing start

Mandaluyong City

With legendary Filipino Grandmasters, Eugene Torre and Joey Antonio decided to skip the qualifying tournament for 2008 Dresden Olympiad, 3 more Filipino Grandmasters are in early trouble to represent the country in this years Chess Olympiad. In a recent press release (in Filipino) GM's Wesley So and Darwin Laylo had garnered 3 1/2 points each out of possible 6 while GM Mark Pragua who are fresh from his successful campaign in the US had so far scored just a point. Another pomising talent, GM candidate IM Julio Catalino Sadorra also scored but a point. Although there is still eleven rounds left, let us hope that our top and well experience chess players would bounced back from their disappointing start and regain their form.

Let us hope...

NATIONAL FINALS - MEN Kaban ng Hiyas, Mandaluyong City
Rank after round 6
Rank		Name	Rtg	Pts
1	IM	GOMEZ John Paul	2457	5½
2	GM	VILLAMAYOR Buenaventura	2469	4½
3	IM	BANCOD Ronald	2375	4
4	GM	GONZALES Jayson	2524	4
5		CARLOS Leonardo	0	4
6	GM	LAYLO Darwin	2504	3½
7	IM	GARMA Chito	2346	3½
8	IM	NOLTE Rolando	2522	3½
9	GM	SO Wesley	2577	3½
10		DELA CRUZ Noel	0	3
11	IM	BITOON Richard	2439	2½
12		NODADO Jerry	0	2½
13		HABLA Jony	0	2
14		PASCUA Haridas	2174	2
15	IM	NADERA Barlo	2401	2
16	GM	PARAGUA Mark	2523	1½
17		GATUS Edmundo	0	1½
18	IM	SADORRA Julio Catalino	2470	1