GRANDMASTER Eugene Torre settled for a draw with International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia Thursday night but kept top spot in the Battle of Grandmasters at the Philippine Sports Commission Athletes Dining Hall.
Torre, still razor-sharp at 62, split the point with the 18-year-old Ateneo standout after 30 moves of an English Opening and climbed to 18.5 points, half a point clear of defending champion GM John Paul Gomez.
Gomez drew with GM Rogelio Barcenilla after 31 moves of a Symmetrical English.
Tournament sensation International Master Janelle Mae Frayna, the lone female player in the Open division, also drew with IM Paulo Bersamina in a marathon 112 moves and tailed Garcia and Bersamina, both with 16.5 points, at 15 points.
In Women’s play, NM Christy Lamiel Bernales kept the lead with 19.5 points after besting Gladys Hazelle Romero in 83 moves of a French Tarrasch.