MANILA, Philppines – Filipino Grand Master (GM) Joseph Sanchez of Cebu defeated Italian International Master (IM) Gabriel Battaglini in the ninth and final round of the 27th International Chess Winter Open in Cannes, France on Sunday.

Sanchez wound up with six points and finished tied for sixth to 10th places in the tournament.

The Paris-based GM actually ended up in 10th place due to a lower tie break points against sixth-placer GM Vladimir Dobrov of Russia, seventh-placer IM Alexander Donchenko of Germany, eight-placer IM Roberto Mogranzini and ninth-placer GM Michelle Godena of Italy.

IM Kore Akshayraj of India defeated Donchenko in the final round to finish with 7.5 points and clinch the title.

GM Ruben Felgaer of Argentina finished second, while GM Eltaj Safarli of Azerbaijan was in third place. Tied for fourth and fifth placers were IM Axel Rombaldoni of Italy and GM Viorel Iordachescu of Moldova. -- By Marlon Bernardino