National Masters (NM) Alex Lupian and Elwin Retanal, both former Philippine Junior Champions, opened their bid on a high note by demolishing their counterparts at the start of 2008 Davao National Fide-Rated Open Chess Championship at the Gaisano South Citimall in Davao City on Monday.

No.1 pick Lupian prevailed over unheralded Rhynan Arce after 40 moves of a Queen's Gambit Declined duel using the white pieces, while No.2 pick Retanal trounced little-known Jake Milagrosa after 25 pushes of a King's Indian Defense employing the black pieces.

Third seed NM Ernesto Fernandez of Pagadian City needed only 35 moves to outclass Billy Nudas in 35 moves of a French Defense handling the white pieces.

Other favorite woodpushers who won their initial round assignments in this 88-man field which is backed up by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., are NM Levi Mercado, NM Abdullah Bin Unding, NM Henry Roger Lopez, NM Prospero Cruz and Johnnel Balguin.