Grandmaster Darwin Laylo and International Master Angelo Young stamped their class in the 2019 GM Rosendo Balinas Memorial Cup Chess Championship at the 2nd floor, Alphaland Makati Place in Malugay St. in Makati City on Tuesday.
A member of the multi-titled Philippine Army chess team, Laylo topped International Master Ricardo De Guzman after 39 moves of a Kings Indian Defense.
Young, meanwhile, turned back Michael Concio Jr. after 40 moves of a London System Opening.
Laylo and Young joined two others in the lead at two points apiece as GM Rogelio ‘Joey’ Antonio and IM Paulo Bersamino won in contrasting fashion.
The 13-time National Open Antonio, who won by forfeiture in the first round, had another easy passage as he won by default against National Master Julius Sinangote.
Bersamina, on the other hand, outlasted untitled Rolly Parondo Jr. after 54 moves of a London System Opening.
The standard chess format event is supported by Engr. Antonio "Tony" Carreon Balinas and US based Joe Balinas, older brothers of the late GM Balinas, and hosted by Alphaland Corporation in close coordination with Philippine Executive Chess Association, led by its president Dr. Jenny Mayor.
In other results, IM Daniel Quizon also won by default over Sherwin Tiu to hike his total to 1.5 points, the same output of veteran IM Chris Ramayrat, who dealt Alfredo Rapanot his second loss after 74 pushes of a Veresov Opening.
Carlo Magno Rosaupan downed fellow NM Nick Nisperos in 55 moves of a Reti Opening, while Kevin Mirano halved the point with GM John Paul Gomez after 77 moves of Slav defense.
Gomez posted his second straight draw after also splitting the point against IM Ramayrat in the opening round.