Gonzales keeps solo lead at Subic chess tournament

MANILA, Philippines - Grandmaster-elect Jayson Gonzales of the Philippines settled for a draw with compatriot GM Wesley So late Tuesday night in the fifth round of the 2008 Subic Open international chess championship, but he kept his hold on the solo top spot. Gonzales agreed to a draw after 17 moves of a Ruy Lopez to get a half-point lead over So, GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia, and Zaw Htun Wynn of Myanmar. After his match, Gonzales immediately retired to his room to prepare for his sixth round match against GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia, according to a league statement issued on Wednesday. "I'm satisfied with the draw against Wesley," Gonzales said. "I'll prepare more for my match against Megaranto." Gonzales is the coach of the multi-titled Far Eastern University team in the UAAP. "I like my chances in this tournament now," added Gonzales. Megaranto moved up to second spot by downing erstwhile co-leader IM Julio Catalino Sadorra in 49 moves of an English Opening. The defeat was Sadorra's second straight after starting with three consecutive wins. In other games, Wynn outclassed IM Richard Bitoon of the Philippines. Top seed GM Yuriy Kuzubov (ELO 2603) of Ukraine agreed to a draw with Oliver Barbosa, while Asia's first GM Eugene Torre outmaneuvered FM Roderick Nava to lead a group with 3.5 points. In the same group with Torre are Philippine Open fifth placer GM Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor, who defeated Anjas Novita of Indonesia; three-time Palarong Pambansa champion John Paul Gomez, who halved the point with Dino Ballecer; Rolando Nolte, who likewise settled for a draw with IM Oo Kyaw Nay of Myanmar; NM Emmanuel Senador, who drew with IM Sadikin Irwanto of Indonesia; and untitled Reggie Olay, who toppled IM Barlo Nadera. GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. was forced into a draw by compatriot Efren Bagamasbad. The tournament is being held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Subic. - GMANews.TV