Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales downed India’s Viresh Sharnarthi to remain the highest scoring Filipino in the Bangalore International Grandmasters Open in India on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Gonzales, the national women’s team coach and National Chess Federation of the Philippines chief executive officer, hiked his output to 2.5 points after four rounds in this 10-round, 150-player tournament.

The 54-year-old Gonzales was tackling Egyptian International Master Walaa Sarwat in the fifth round at press time and another win should further boost his chances.

Half a point behind Gonzales with two points was Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, who settled for a second straight draw, this time with Indian Harshit Pawar.

Frayna, who is seeking an International Master norm while using this event as part of her preparation for this September’s FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, will have a chance to improve on her current score as she was going for the win over another Indian Shriraj Bhosale.

Also with two points was Jehtro Dino Aquino, who succumbed to IM Panda Sambit of India, while Woman International Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda halved the point with Indian Sinha Aarav to improve to 1.5 points.

WIM Bernadette Galas likewise fought to a draw with Shivansh Tiwari of India to end a string of three straight defeats.