Pinoy GMs Paragua, Dableo make presence felt

Pinoy GMs Paragua, Dableo make presence felt

Pinoy GMs Paragua, Dableo make presence felt
09/26/2009 12:47 PM

Filipino players made their presence felt in the fourth President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup international chess championship with GM Mark Paragua and GM-elect Ronald Dableo leading the charge with impressive victories over their higher-rated foreign rivals at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Parañaque City.

Paragua, ever so eager to regain his billing as the country’s top player, pulled the rug from under second seed GM Gopal Nayanan of India in the biggest upset win so far in the tough, six-day tournament featuring 56 players.

Dableo, who nailed his third and last GM norm during the Kuala Lumpur Open last month, shocked sixth seed GM Merab Gagunashvili of Georgia to boost his chances for the title and the top prize of US$6,000.

Seeded only 15th with an ELO of 2501, Paragua, also whipped Rainier Labay, while No. 23 Dableo (2417), humbled Angel Cordero for a leading 2 points apiece.

Dresden Olympiad sensation GM John Paul Gomez trounced Conrado Diaz in the first round and subdued Emmanuel Senador in the second, while IM Barlo Nadera outclassed Lyndon Lumancas and upset No. 10 seed GM Darwin Laylo to join Paragua and Dableo in the lead pack.

No. 25 seed GM Meng Kong Wong of Singapore emerged as the only foreign player with perfect score of two points after beating Danilo Jorda and No. 8 GM Tigran Kotanjian of Armenia.