IM Bitoon leads 5th Singapore Masters

IM Richard Bitoon (2439) posted a perfect 3/3 performance in the ongoing 5th Singapore Masters International Open Tournament 2008, leading the eight-player Filipino contingent in the tournament.

Bitoon subdued GM Susanto Megaranto (2536) of Indonesia in the third round to be in the solo lead with 2984 rating performance.

Notably, IM Julio Catalino Sadorra bounced back strong after his shocking first-round loss by posting back-to-back wins to put himself in 16th place with 2.0 points.

Here is the performance of Filipino players after Round 3:

1st place -- IM Richard Bitoon (3.0 points)

3rd -- GM Mark Paragua (2.5)

5th -- Kim Steven Yap (2.5)

13th -- Dino Ballecer (2.0)

16th -- IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (2.0)

17th -- IM Oliver Dimakiling (1.5)

18th -- IM Luis Chiong (1.5)

25th -- Levi Mercado (1.5)

The tournament initially drew 56 participants from 19 countries.