The $5,550 worth competition's opening round saw International Masters Rolando Nolte and Paulo Bersamina triumph over their respective opponents.
After 50 moves of a Sicilian defense, Nolte defeated Indonesian IM Mohamad Ervan, while Bersamina defeated fellow countryman IM Daniel Quizon after 27 moves of a Reti Opening.
"Honestly, it was a tough game, but I'm thrilled that I was able to play my A-game," said Nolte, who starts his quest for the GM title.
At the 2008 Kolkata Open, Nolte achieved his first norm in Kolkata, India. The former standout from the University of Manila has already passed the 2500 mark.
Nolte will also participate in the O2C Doeberl Cup, which will take place from April 6 to 10 in Canberra, Australia.
Both GMs John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo began with hard-earned draws.
After 36 moves of a Slav defense, Laylo and GM Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam reached a truce, and after 30 actions of a Slav defense,
Gomez and IM Taher Yoseph Theolifus of Indonesia drew.
After 46 moves of a Pirc defense, top-seeded GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia defeated FM Prin Laohawirapap of Thailand, and IM Yeoh Li Tian of Malaysia defeated CM Dau Khuong Duy of Vietnam after 27 moves of a Pirc defensive.
According to International Master Roderick Nava of the Kamatyas Chess Club, the winner of this competition will have the opportunity to earn an IM Title and GM Norm.
AQ Prime Proprietor/President s a supporter of the seven-day FIDE-rated event. Aldwin Alegre, coordinated by Kamatyas Chess Club in close collaboration with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and the ASEAN Chess Confederation.(Romeo Braceros Jr.)
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