INTERNATIONAL Master John Paul Gomez and Woman National Master Catherine Pereña topped their respective division at the conclusion of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) qualifying tournament (National Finals) to determine RP's Olympiad representative over the weekend at the Kaban ng Hiyas Building in Mandaluyong City.
The former three-time Philippine Junior champion Gomez, who hails from Biñan, Laguna finished with 13.0 points to added National Finals to his growing list of achievements.
The mechanical engineering student of La Salle Gomez, who earned his GM norm on Friday after held GM Mark Paragua into a draw led team Philippines in the World Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany and the World Mind Games in Beijing, China later this year after topping the said qualification tournament.
"I hope I can accomplish GM status soon. I'm happy with the way I've been playing," said Gomez, who needs two more GM norms to become the eighth Filipino to reach the highest ranking in chess. "I would like to thank NCFP president (Butch) Pichay for helping my local and international campaign." He added.
Joining them in the RP Olympic team were world youngest GM Wesley So (12.5 pts), GM Bong Villamayor (11.5 pts), GM Jayson Gonzales (10 pts.), GM Darwin Laylo (10 pts.) and GM Paragua (10 pts.).
However, the fate of long-time RP chess icons Eugene Torre and Joey Antonio Jr., who both failed to compete in the qualifying round because of their health and personal reason are in the hands of the NCFP board headed by its president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. if the duo will include in the Olympic team.
Torre and Antonio, who both schedule to play one-on-one match on July 21 are expressed willingness to play for the flag and country if the NCFP board consider to put in the line-up.
In the distaff side, Pereña, from Caloocan City took another feather on her capped after winning the women's play with 8.0 points. Completing the top five finishers were WNM Shercila Cua (7.5 pts), WNM Daisy Rivera (7.0 pts), WNM Chardine Cheradee Camacho (7.0 pts) and WNM Christy Lamiel Bernales (6.0 pts)
contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO
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