Dejayco, Arroyo lead NCR chess tourney

MANILA, Philippines - Christian Arroyo and Christopher Dejayco defeated their respective rivals to tie for the lead after the fifth round of the National Capital Region (NCR) chess elimination at the Kaban ng Hiyas Bldg, in Mandaluyong City. The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) said in a statement on Sunday that Arroyo (ELO 2120) triumphed over Garry Garcia in the fourth round and Noel de la Cruz in the fifth round, while Dejayco (ELO 20556) defeated Rodolfo Panopio Jr and Marlon Ricafort to keep their perfect records with five straight victories. Behind by half a point with 4.5 were veteran campaigner Edmundo Gatus, who drew with Roberto Biron in the fourth round and subdued Erwin Alerta in the fifth round; and Jayson Salubre, who bested Alwin Yen and Biron. Fourteen players, led by Jan Emmanuel Garcia and Jesus Alfonso Datu, shared fifth to 18th places with four points. NCFP executive and events director Willie Abalos said the top 30 players will advance to the tournament proper, along with the top five entries in different regional elimination to be held in the country. The country's top players, led by GMs Rogelio Antonio Jr, Wesley So and Eugene Torre, are seeded in the tournament proper. At stake are slots to the Philippine team. which will see action in the 38th World Chess Olympiad scheduled Nov. 12-25 in Dresden, Germany. - GMANews.TV