So trips Sanchez in Battle of GMs

MANILA—Three-peat champion Grandmaster Wesley So opened his campaign with a victory over Paris-based GM Joseph Sanchez in the 4th Battle of the Grandmasters yesterday at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila.

Showing his mettle with the black pieces, So bested Sanches after 35 moves of the Sicilian defense to lead opening day winners in the event organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Former two-time Asian Junior champion GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla settled for a draw with GM John Paul Gomez after 31 moves of the Sicilian defense using the white pieces.

Earlier, Barcenilla and Sanchez were conferred their GM titles. They received P50,000 each from the NCFP headed by Prospero “Butch” Pichay.
GM Darwin Laylo also split the point with GM Mark Paragua after 35 moves of the Sicilian defense.