Paragua, Gomez deliver for Philippine Agila

MANILA, Philippines — Grandmasters Mark Paragua and John Paul Gomez hammered out emphatic victories as the Philippines turned back Mongolia, 2.5-1.5, yesterday to get back on track after the fifth round in the men’s division of the Asian Nations Online Chess Cup.

Paragua downed FIDE Master Ganzorig Amartuvshin on board one while Gomez trounced International Master Sugar Gan-Erdene on board four to power the Filipinos to a four-way tie at third spot with Australia, India and Singapore with eight match points.

The Agila ng Pilipinas also moved just a point behind joint leaders Iranians and Kazakhs, who fought to a 2-2 standoff, with nine apiece.

IM Paulo Bersamina split the point with GM Tsegmed Batchuluun on board three that sealed the deal.

GM Banjo Barcenilla couldn’t extricate himself out of trouble and succumbed to GM Sumiya Bilguun on board two.

Paragua and Gomez redeemed themselves from stinging defeats to former world juniors champion GMs Parham Maghsoodloo and Aryan Gholami in a heartbreaking 1.5-2.5 loss in the fourth round.

The Agila ng Pilipinas, who are eyeing one of the eight berths to the knockout playoff round, were battling the dangerous Aussies in the sixth round at press time.