Grandmaster Buenaventura "Bong" Villamayor bounced back to contention at the qualifying tournament for the World Chess Olympiad by beating International Master (IM) Barlo Nadera during the 12th round of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) organized competition.

A report posted on SportsNews.ph said Villamayor defeated Nadera in 47 moves via a Closed Catalan encounter. He joined 14-year-old chess prodigy Welsey So in a two-way tie for second to third places with 8.5 points (seven wins, three draws and only two losses).

"Matagal pa ito. There are still five rounds left, but I like my chances now," said Villamayor, who returned to the local chess scene after serving as training director in the Powerchess Asia Grandmaster School of Chess in Singapore.

With the win, the 41-year-old GM also moved two points behind tourney leader IM John Paul Gomez.

Gomez kept his hold on the lead with 10.5 points (nine wins and three draws) by drawing with IM Julio Catalino Sadorra in only 31 moves of the Sicliian.

So, meanwhile, halved the point with national master Noel de la Cruz in 32 moves of the Sicilian Defense.