WESLEY SO TOPS RP'S BATTLE OF THE GMs

Standing after ten rounds: Men

8 points – W. So
7 points – E. Torre
6.5 points – J. Gomez, R. Bitoon
6 points- R. Antonio
4.5 points- O. Barbosa, R. Nolte, J. Sadorra
4 points-F. Donguines
3.5 points-H. Nouri, B. Villamayor
2.5 points-J. Gonzales

Women
8 – C. Perena
7-Sherily Cua
6.5 – Shercila Cua, C. Camacho
6 – A. Salvador
5.5-R. Jose
4.5- C. Bernales
4-B. Mendoza
3.5- E. Magno
3 – K. Cunanan, J. Palomo, J. Docena

GM Wesley So split the point with NM Oliver Barbosa after 52 moves of a Queen's Indian Defense using the black pieces in the tenth and penultimate round to emerge over-all champion despite one round to go in the 2008 "Battle of GMs" chess championship at the 11th floor, Bayside Hall, City State Hotel in Mabini St.. cor. Padre Faura, Manila.

The 14-year-old Bacoor, Cavite campaigner notched 8.0 points on six wins and four draws in this 11 round unique tournament which offers P200,000 to the champion.

"Anuman maganap kay Wesley (So) sa last round ay champion pa din siya sa tie break," said Wesley's spokesman and businessman Reginald Tee.

So, will face former three-time RP junior champion IM John Paul Gomez in the final round.

Asia's First GM Eugene Torre took solo second place with 7.0 points after beating IM Julio Catalino Sadorra after 44 moves of King's Indian Defense.

GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. who shared Torre in the second spot in the ninth round meanwhile bowed to GM Jayson Gonzales to remain at 6.5 points but dropped to fourth place.

IM Richard Bitoon, on the other hand disposed NM Rolando Nolte after 50 moves of Sicilian Defense to share third and fourth place with Gomez with 6.5 points. Gomez defeated NM Hamed Nouri after 68 moves of Philidors Defense.

Meanwhile, GM Bong Villamayor toppled FM Fernie Donguines after 31 moves of Queens Gambit skirmish.

In the women's division, Catherine Pereña halved the point with fellow WNM Shercila Cua after 36 moves of a Slav Defense to keep a one–point lead over Shercila younger sister WNM Sherily Cua after ten rounds of play.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison