GM WESLEY SO SECURES BACK TO BACK WIN IN LUNETA CHESS OPEN

THE COUNTRY's top rated Grandmaster Wesley So scored back-to-back win after beating Marc Co in the second round of the 2012 Luneta Open Rapid Chess Championship on Saturday at the Luneta Lapu-Lapu statue (formerly skating rink) in historic Rizal Park in Manila.

The Bacoor, Cavite whiz kid So improved to a total of 2 points to share 1st to 26th places in the 106 player's field along with fellow GMs Oliver Barbosa, Rogelio Antonio Jr., Mark Paragua, John Paul Gomez and Rogelio Barcenilla, IMs Barlo Nadera, Emmanuel Senador and Jan Emmanuel Garcia, FM Roderick Nava, NMs Gerry Cabellon and Roland Andador and Cavite Chess Champion Roel Abelgas.

Earlier, So toppled Steven Crenz Fulcher in the opening round.

Photo: Rizal Park Chess Foundation chairman Spartan Mining head Louie Ramos, National Parks Development Committee administrative officer Estrelita Laraya and National Chess Federation of the Philippines Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales shake hand with GMs So, Barbosa and Paragua to usher the traditional ceremonial moves that includes NM Cabellon, IM Chito Garma, GM Barcenilla, NA Alfredo Chay, IA Rolly Yutuc and IM Ronald Dableo.