Gomez, Bersamina on top after eight rounds

Top seed GM John Paul Gomez and IM Paulo Bersamina settled for draws to remain in the lead after eight rounds in the Battle of GMs-National Chess Championships at Alphaland in Makati.

Gomez, the highest-rated player in the tournament with an Elo of 2464, split the point with IM Ronald Bancod after only 30 moves of the French defense, while Bersamina halved the point with upset-conscious Jonathan Jota in 30 moves of the Ruy Lopez to keep the lead with 5.5 points in the 11-round tournament.

Gomez had earlier won by default over Jota and Bersamina subdued IM Chito Garma in a pair of seventh-round en counters late Sunday.

The biggest loser during the weekend matches was Jota, who lost by default to Gomez in the seventh round and dropped from a tie for first to sixth place with four points.

Jota chose to play for Lyceum during its semifinal encounter against St. Benilde in the NCAA.

Officials said the 20-year-old Jota needs at least 6.5 points to earn an IM norm.