Battle of GMs - Pairings

Wesley So vs Buenaventura Villamayor in round 1

One of the top events in the Philippines, the 2009 Phoenix Petroleum - Dapitan City Battle of GMs, begins today. Top seeded will be Wesley So, who is seeking yet another title in the tournament, following his strong campaigns at Corus and Aeroflot. “It’s a big challenge for me to defend the title against my equally strong rivals, but I’m ready," said Welsey So for the local media. (More about the 2009 challenges of Wesley So here)

GM Eugene Torre will start against IM Rolando Nolte, while GM John Paul Gomez, the top player for the Philippines at the Chess Olympiad, will play against GM Jayson Gonzales. Here is the full list of pairings.

Battle of GMs pairings round 1

GM Wesley So - GM Buenaventura Villamayor
GM Eugene Torre - IM Rolando Nolte
GM John Paul Gomez - GM Jayson Gonzales
GM Mark Paragua - IM Richard Bitoon
GM Rogelio Antonio - IM Julio Catalino Sadorra
GM Darwin Laylo - IM Ronald Dableo

The 11-round tournament, being held in cooperation with Mayor Dominador Jalosjos, former congressman Romeo Jalosjos and Vice Mayor Patri Chan, ends on March 31. International Chess Federation (FIDE) honorary chair Florencio Campomanes is expected at the opening ceremony, as well as Phoenix Petroleum president Dennis Uy and brand and marketing manager Jay Delloso and Secretary to the Mayor Alemarlou Dagpin.