So, Megaranto lead Battle of GMs International cast

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino Grandmaster Wesley So seeks revenge against Indonesian GM Susanto Megaranto when they banner the Battle of the Grandmasters International cast on Dec. 5 to 13 at the Malvar Park Hotel in Malvar, Batangas.

The 18-year-old So, the country’s top player, got stunned by Megaranto in the just-concluded 26th Southeast Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia, and settled for the silver medal in the standard chess competition.

So, however, flashed his deadly form and ruled the blitz competition of the biennial meet with a perfect 9.0 points.

“Megaranto just caught Wesley on an off day,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines executive director GM Jayson Gonzales. “Even after that loss, Wesley is still way ahead in their head-to-head.”

A dozen other top players, including Chinese GM Li Chao, will contend for the $4,000 top prize along with Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre and GMs Rogelio “Joey” Antonio, Mark Paragua, Oliver Barbosa and John Paul Gomez.

Also entered in the event organized by the NCFP headed by Prospero “Butch” Pichay are GM Darwin Laylo, US-based GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla, Europe-based GM Joseph Sanchez, GM Richard Bitoon and International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia.

The women’s division will also feature foreigners with the champion getting $1,500.

Backing the event are Tanauan Economic Council executive director lawyer Ruel Canobas and Malvar Park Hotel owner and NCFP director Saturnino Belen.

To be held simultaneously with the Battle of GMs is the International Open, a nine-round Swiss System tournament open to all players worldwide.