Battle of GMs

Wesley So eyes 3rd Battle of GMs title
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 05/22/2010 8:47 AM Updated as of 05/22/2010 8:48 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Grandmaster (GM) Wesley So eyes to rule the “Battle of GMs” for the 3rd straight time as the tournament gets underway next Tuesday at the Character Hotel in Tagaytay City.

So, who ruled the first 2 editions of the event, is seen to play better as he defends his title in the competition organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

“I expect So to continue to play well and defend his title, but [Rogelio] Antonio, [Darwin] Laylo and the rest of the participants are all capable of pulling off some surprises,” said NCFP president Prospero Pichay.

Re-elected Tagaytay Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who supports the staging of the competition, said Tagaytay and its chess-loving residents are all happy for this chance to host the tournament.

“We have hosted several major chess tournaments in the past, including the chess competition in the last SEA Games, but this is the first time that the Battle of GMs will be held here,” said Tolentino, also the secretary-general of the NCFP.

A P200,000 top prize and a finely-crafted trophy await the champion in this tournament, which will feature the best and the brightest chess players in the country today.

GM Antonio Jr., who finished runner-up to So last year, and GM Laylo are also expected to figure prominently in the title race.

Two other GMs – John Paul Gomez and Jayson Gonzales – make up the list of favored players.

Although GMs Eugene Torre, Mark Paragua, Nelson Mariano and Buenaventura “Bong” Villamayor begged off from participation due to various commitments, several young and highly-rated players are taking their place, according to NCFP events director Willie Abalos.

Here is the full article.