Antonio, Docena share Battle of GMs lead

Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio bested Fide Master Jose Mari Turqueza to grab a share of the lead after two rounds in the Open division of the 2015 Battle of the Grandmasters-National Chess Championships at Philippine Sports Commission Athletes Dining Hall in Manila.

Antonio, who drew his first match with fellow GM Eugene Torre, climbed into a tie for the lead with Jerad Docena.

The 17-year-old Docena, board 2 player of La Salle in the UAAP, downed National Master Roel Abelgas and then drew with Woman International Master Janelle Mae Frayna.

Defending champion and fourth seed Torre posted his second draw to head three other players with a full point each in the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and supported by the PSC.

“Makunat kalaban itong si Abelgas (He’s a tough nut to crack),” Torre said of his foe after a tight endgame where he had two bishops against Abelga’s knight-bishop combo.

Also with 1.0 each were Frayna, the lone female entry in the Open who is seeking a third GM norm here, IM Paolo Bersamina and IM Haridas Pascua, who settled for an early draw with GM Richard Bitoon in the second round.

Turgueza and GMs John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo have 0.5 each.

In the women’s section, WIM Catherine Pereña-Secopito started her title-retention bid with a win over WNM Cristy Lamiel Bernales.

Also winning their first-round matches were WIM Mikee Suede and Arvie Lozano.

Suede, the first Filipino to win the Asian juniors championship, bested Brena Mae Membrere, while Lozano downed Judith Pineda.

Other women’s results: WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, 0.5-WFM Shanie Mae Mendoza, 0.5; WNM Jean Karen Enriquez, 0.5; WFM Marie Antoinette San Diego, 0.5.