GM 'Joey' Antonio rules Battle of the Grandmasters 'blitz' chessfest

by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA – Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. finished with a seven-round total of 6.0 points on five wins and two draws to capture his first major title in local soil this year.

The multi-awarded campaigner from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro topped the 2013 Battle of the Grandmaster "Blitz" Chess Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room, Administration Bldg., Vito Cruz, Manila on Monday.

US based GM Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla actually tied with Antonio with similar 6.0 points, but Antonio won via superior quotient in the event backed up by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Vice President for Luzon Atty. Ruel V. Canobas in close cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commisison (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

It shall be recalled that Antonio, who plays for the Philippine Army chess team, edged the country's top-rated player, Super Grandmaster Wesley So, in the finals to rules the 5th Gathering of Knights and Kings Open Chess Tournament last December held at the Ramon Magsaysay Cubao High School in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, International Master Joel Pimentel and GM Darwin Laylo, finished in third to 4th places with 5.5 points apiece.

Four players, led by Fide Master Paulo Bersamina, finished in fifth to 8th places with 5.0 points each.

Joining Bersamina are Rodolfo Panopio Jr., FM David Elorta, and GM candidate Ronald Dableo.

IM Oliver Dimakiling led a big group of players with 4.5 points that includes GM John Paul Gomez, GM Mark Paragua, NM Jerad Docena, FM Jony Habla and NM Nelson Villanueva.

GM Oliver Barbosa joints 15th position with 4.0 points.

In the women's play, Woman Fide Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda won the title with 6.5 points. Woman National Master Christy Lamiel Bernales came second with 5.5 points followed by third place Woman Fide Master Cherry Ann Mejia with 4.5 points.

At fourth to 5th places are Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza and Ynna Sophia Canape with 4.0 points apiece.

NCFP Deputy Secretary-General/ Treasurer Red Dumuk, NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales, International Arbiter Gene Poliarco and Fide Arbiter Patrick Lee led the closing rites.