Romanov, Mayank, Vignesh flex muscles

Grandmasters Evgeny Romanov of Macedonia, Chakraborty Mayank and N R Vignesh both of India led the title favorites with emphatic opening round victories in the Misamis Occidental Philippine International Chess Championship at the scenic AMORAP in Sinacaban coastal town.

Romanov wielded the Sicilian Defense with impunity in smashing Cherry Ann Mejia in 31 moves, Mayank used the English Opening in trouncing Ralz Jaweh Devibar in 39 moves, and Vignesh also relied on the Sicilian to down John Curt Valencia in 41 moves.

That kept the top three seeds atop the field ahead of this 78-player field financed by host Gov. Henry Oaminal Sr. and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and WR Chess that included Filipinos in IM International Master Jem Garcia, GM Daniel Quizon, IM Michael Concio Jr., IM Christian Gian Karlo Arca and WGM Janelle Mae Frayna.

Other fancied chessers who hurdled their respective opponents were Indian GM Nikhil Shyaam, Vietnamese GM Nguyen Duc Hoa, Indian IM Nubairshah Shaikh Mohammad, Russian IMs Miroslav Vlasenko and Evgenija Ovod.

The only upset of the round was recorded by 14-year-old Ivan Resti Garcia, who pulled off a surprise draw with GM Darwin Laylo, former national champion and many-time Olympiad veteran.

The meet is the second of the four tournaments lined up by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines in more than a month and a half.

The other two are the AQ Prime International Open scheduled from 17 to 25 November in Quezon City and the Karla Pichay International Chess Championships set from 11 to 17 December also in Quezon City.