Antonio, Pacis grab early lead

Fide Master Adrian Pacis stunned compatriot International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia Saturday to join veteran Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio in the early lead of the Asian Zonals 3.3 Chess Championships men’s division Saturday at Tagaytay International Convention Center in Tagaytay City.

Antonio downed IM Chito Garma with black to rev up his bid for the two slots up for grabs to the World Cup slated in Georgia in September.

United States-based GM Julio Catalino Sadorra, seeded No. 2 in the nine-round Swiss System event, was held to a draw by IM Rolando Nolte, who handled white.

In the distaff side, WGM Janelle Mae Frayna opened her bid for the lone slot to the Women’s World Championship cycle with a victory over fellow national player WIM Beverly Mendoza. —ROY LUARCA