Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio of Quezon City won the Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Open FIDE Rapid Chess Tournament held September 29, 2024 at the Pavilion Mall, Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. In photo are Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio (left) with National Arbiter Ranier Bonoan Pascual. At right is National Master Oshrie Jhames Reyes.
The 62-year-old Antonio bagged the top spot in the tournament being held in memory of the late GM Rosendo Balinas, Jr..
Antonio completed the 7-round Swiss system tilt with the highest tie breaks and score of 6.0 points to grab the title and the top purse of P15,000.
International Master Chito Garma placed second with 6.0 points, followed by International Master Michael Concio Jr., FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz and National Master Carlo Magno Rosaupan at third, fourth and fifth with similar 6.0 points apiece.
Making it to the list of top ten performers were Sherwin Tiu (5.5 points), Jan Lei Kian Rosaupan (5.5 points), FMs Ivan Travis Cu (5.0 points), Randy Segarra (5.0 points) and David Elorta (5.0 points).
Antonio defeated NM Davin Sean Romualdez (Round 1), Nathaniel Ablazo (Round 3), FM Noel Dela Cruz (Round 4), Tiu (Round 5) and Garma (Round 6).
He drew with Jan Lei Kian Rosaupan in the second round and Concio in the seventh and final round.
National Master Oshrie Jhames Reyes, a member of the University of Santo Tomas junior varsity chess team, stole part of the limelight after ruling the National Master Gerald Ferriol Chess Cup Kiddies (14U) FIDE Rapid Chess Tournament with 6.5 points.
The pride of Pampanga received P5,000 for his efforts.
Iana Angela Sotaridona, Mark Jeross Albert and Gllasea Ann Hilario rounded up the top four with 6.0 points apiece.
Organized by the Bayanihan Chess Club, the twin events were made possible through the support of Dr. Joe Balinas, Engr. Antonio Balinas, Balinas Family and NM Gerald Ferriol.
It is also supported by FM Angelito Camer, Engr. Roger Reyes, Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez, Atty. Juman Paa, Mr. Travis Vincent Chua, Nova Wellness Store, Axe Universal Oil, Starshots Coffee, AGM Reu Gabriel Sebolino of Sicilian Prodigy, Wagish Rai of IntChess Asia , DIM DIY Bakery and Pavilion Mall, Greenfield District.-Marlon Bernardino-