MANILA, Philippines -- Former Rizal Technological University (RTU) top player Roberto Suelo Jr. made short work of local bet Winshand Cuhendi Sean in the 5th round of the 8th Singapore International Open Chess Festival at the Jurong East Sports Complex in Singapore.

Suelo's victory allowed him to join a crowded leader board in the tournament.

Suelo, a professional chess coach in Singapore for the past two years, forced Sea to resign after just 18 moves of Queen's Pawn Opening to notch his second straight win and fourth in five games.

The latest string of victories for Suelo came at the heels of his third round defeat against Grand Master Eldar Gasanov of Ukraine.

Gasanov settled for back-to-back draws against FIDE Master Andrean Susilodinata of Indonesia and Benjamin Foo of Singapore to relinquish the outright lead.

"Even after losing to Gasanov, kumpiyansa pa rin ako na makakahabol ako to contend for the title," Suelo said.

Suelo is eyeing his third title in Singapore this year, following his triumphs in the Hari Raya FIDE-rated chess tournament and Toa Payoh Open.

His victory also eases the pain of the sorry loss suffered by Filipino GM Richard Bitoon in the 2nd ASEAN Men Campomanes Cup.

Bitoon had a chance to grab the outright lead in the centerpiece event of the annual chess festival, but ran into time trouble against International Master Nguyen Van Huy. Bitoon ended up losing the game and his share of the lead as GM Susanto Megaranto of Indonesia split a point against IM Hafilzulhelmi Mas of Malaysia.

Megaranto's 4/5 effort topped Bitoon's 3.5/5 midway in the round-robin tournament. They are set to meet in the 9th and final round.

Meanwhile, young Filipino chessers continue to hold sway in the 2nd Singapore International Youth Championships.

Vince Angelo Medina remained on top of the Open Under-17 with 4.5 points after a draw against Jung Young Hoon of South Korea, while Michelle Yaon extended her winning run to four after taking a bye in the 4th round to seize control of the Girls U-17.

Yaon also got an assist from compatriot Nikki Erica Yngayo, who dealt the first loss of pre-tournament favorite FM Danielle Ho of Singapore.

Paulo Bersamina moved a full point ahead of the field in the Open U-14 after notching his fifth straight win, this time at the expense of Tupfah Khumnokeaw of Thailand.

FM Marie Antoinette San Diego was slowed down by consecutive draws, but remained on top along with two others in the Girls U-14. Dennis Gutierrez III kept a perfect record and his share of the lead in the Open U-8.

The Open U-11, Girls U-11 and Girls U-8 were the only divisions without a Filipino on top. -- By Marlon Bernardino.