Gomez outwits Cabe to gain solo lead

National Master John Paul Gomez stunned veteran campaigner Arlan Cabe in their Sicilian-Rossolimo encounter to seize control after seven rounds of the Shell National Open Rapid Chess Championship at the Immaculate Concepcion Multi-Purpose Bldg. in Lantana St., QC.

A two-time national junior champion, the 16-year-old Gomez now has 6.5 points, half-a-point up on fellow NMs Oliver Barbosa and Fernandito Pialan as Gomez virtually clinched a slot in the grand finals of this event set April 10.

Barbosa likewise stunned veteran NM Emmanuel Senador in a French game, while Pialan, ranked 24th here, beat NM Rolly Martinez.