Fragata, 11 other teams show way
GENERAL SANTOS CITY—National Master Merben Roque stunned Grandmaster Rogelio Antonio Jr. in their board one tussle as lowly ranked MDFragata bested Novelty Chess Club-QC, 3.5-0.5, Sunday to share the second-round lead in the Bobby D. Pacquiao Random Chess tournament at SM Mall Trade Hall 2 here.
Allan Cantonjos and Roland Villa also hurdled Arbie Jims Calido and Basilio Pandan, in boards 2 and 4, respectively, giving MDFragata, seeded 27th among 64 competing teams, the victory over the sixth-ranked Novelty Chess Club.
Juancho Caunte prevented a shutout for Novelty when he forged a draw with Jaime Joshua Frias in board 3.
Sharing top spot with MDFragata at 4.0 match points were top seed Bobby Pacquiao C of GM Jayson Gonzales, Dimachintucan Team of International Master Oliver Dimakiling, Novelty Chess Club-Bulacan, GenSan Omicrons of IM Richielieu Salcedo, Roel Pacquiao Team, Nica Team Ilonggo, Elman Team A, Tagaytay City, Cotabato Province, Team Cong. Anthony Del Rosario and Property Expert Realty-B.
Gonzales drew with IM Haridas Pascua but Pacquiao C won over Pangasinan Chess League through Alfredo Rafanot and Kevin Mirano. Richard Bautista notched Pangasinan’s lone win.
