By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia continued his winning ways, this time claiming the scalp of Rolando Andador to tighten his grip of the solo leadership after eight rounds in the “Road to Batumi” chess championships at the Alphaland Makati Place on Thursday.
It was Garcia’s second straight win and fifth overall against three draws as he improved to 6.5 points, a full point ahead of closest pursuers IM Haridas Pascua and FIDE Master Mari Joseph Turqueza.
Pascua prevailed over Jeth Romy Morado even as Turqueza bested Grandmaster Joey Antonio for 5.5 points with three rounds left in this qualifying tournament for the World Chess Olympiad happening in September in Batumi, Georgia.
Not far behind were IM Paulo Bersamina and GM John Paul Gomez, who agreed to a draw in their Round 8 match for identical 5 points.
Meanwhile, Woman FIDE Master Allaney Jia Doroy posted the lone victory in the distaff side at the expense of Christy Bernales for 3.5 points but WFM Shania Mae Mendoza remained on top with 4 points after a draw with Woman International Master Catherine Secopito.
