Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio trounced Fide Master Randy Sagarra and GM Mark Paragua in succession to grab the solo lead in the Battle of Grandmasters at the Paraw Club in Boracay.
Antonio raised his total to 10 points after six rounds, two points ahead of former co-leader GM Darwin Laylo and International Master Oliver Dimakiling.
Just hours after besting IM Emmanuel Senador, Laylo yielded to GM Julio Catalino Sadorra yesterday even as Dimakiling posted his third straight win against FM Roderick Nava.
Paragua stayed at 7 points in the company of GMs Oliver Barbosa and Eugene Torre, who both settled for draws.
Torre split the point with FM Haridas Pascua while Barbosa halved the point with GM John Paul Gomez.
Sadorra, beaten by Paragua in the fifth round, climbed to 6.5 points, towing 6 pointers Gomez and FM Randy Segarra.
Woman National Masters Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Janelle Mae Frayna and Woman International Master Catherine Perena won their matches to pace the distaff side with 10 points.