So wins Battle of Grandmasters for the third time

Talk about dominance.

Grandmaster Wesley So, the country's youngest chess GM, stamped his class over the local competition by winning the 2010 Phoenix Petroleum Battle of Grandmasters held at the Character Hotel in Tagaytay City from May 25 to June 2.  So piled up 8.5 points (seven wins, three draws) to capture his third BoGMs title in as many stagings of the annual event since its inception two years ago.

The young chess prodigy from Bacoor, Cavite won his last three games to secure the title after trailing behind GM John Paul Gomez for most part of the tournament. Gomez tallied 7.5 points (five wins, five draws) for a clear second-place finish after drawing his games against International Masters Rolando Nolte and Richard Bitoon in rounds 9 and 11, respectively, and getting a bye in round 10.

Meanwhile, GM Rogelio Antonio grabbed the third spot with seven points with five wins, four draws, and a controversial game forfeiture against So in round six. Antonio reportedly asked for a postponement of his game against So after the round six was scheduled a day after the conclusion of the 1st PSC Chairman Harry Angping Cup rapid tournament last May 23. Antonio topped the rapid event.

Topping BoGMs is another good accomplishment in a busy year for the young So who is scheduled to play in the following international events:  Biel Chess Festival in Switzerland (July 18-28);  "Rising Star Vs. Experience" in Amsterdam (August 11-23); World Chess Olympiad in Russia (September 19 t0 October 4); 2010 SPICE Cup in US (October 28 to November 7); and 16th Asian Games in China (November 12-27).

With his recent feat, So easily raised his rating from 2665 to 2678, just 22 points shy of the elite 2700 rating.