IM John Paul Gomez wins the Philippines chess championship

GM Wesley So is second

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines concluded its National Championship Finals for Men and Women, 18 player all play all and 12 player all play all respectively, following 3 months of eliminations involving thousands of players.

In the Men Final, IM John Paul Gomez, a three time National Junior Champion was the convincing winner with an unbeaten 13/17, half a point point clear of top seeded GM Wesley So with 12.5/17. The Closet Grandmaster reports that Gomez has also earned himself a GM norm.

GM Bong Villamayor finished third with 11.5/17, yet another of many fine results for him in recent months. Tied for 3rd and making the selection for the last two places for the Chess Olympiad team in Dresden a nightmare were GMs Jayson Gonzales, Laylo Darwin and Mark Paragua, all with 10/17.

Long time No 1. Catherine Perena was won the Womes Final with 8/11. Shercila Cua and unrated Daisey Rivera were half a point back on 7.5/11 while young Chardine Cheradee Camacho was fourth on 7/11.

In 5th place, one point behind were Christy Bernales and Sherily Cua with 6/11 and would likely be in the running for the final Olympiad berth.

Official website: www.ncfphilippines.org