Laylo, Bitoon bounce back in Battle of the Grandmaster; Gomez still on top

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino Grandmasters Darwin Laylo and Richard Bitoon rebounded with victories over their respective rivals in the second round of the 2013 Battle of the Grandmaster Chess Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room, Administration Bldg., Vito Cruz, Manila Monday here.

Smarting from a first round setback to GM John Paul Gomez on Sunday, Laylo subdued Fide Master Jony Habla and climbed to 1.0 point, a full point behind with solo leader GM Gomez (2.0 points), who won by default over International Master Emmanuel Senador.

Bitoon stunned Asia's First GM Eugene Torre to match the output of Laylo and six others of the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

Also with 1.0 point are Senador, last year's champion GM Mark Paragua, GM Oliver Barbosa, US based GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla and IM Richilieu Salcedo III.

Twelve-time national open champion GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. and Pimentel gain a share of second place with 1.5 points apiece.

The Calapan, Oriental Mindoro ace Antonio who drew with GM Barcenilla in the first round smashed National Master Narquinden Reyes while the Bacolod City bet Pimentel, who upset GM Bitoon, halved the point with IM Salcedo.

Paragua, meantime drew with GM Barbosa and FM Roderick Nava, in order.

In the distaff side, Woman International Masters Janelle Mae Frayna and Beverly Mendoza are leading the way with perfect 2.0 points.

Frayna, top player of Far Eastern University bested Gladys Hazelle Romero and Woman Fide Master Cherry Ann Mejia while Mendoza crushed Ynna Sophia Canape and Woman National Master Jedara Docena.