by Marlon Bernardino
Photo shows 13-time Philippine Open Champion GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. and Mr. Jessie Villasin leading the ceremonial moves. The 1-day, 10 minutes plus 5 seconds increment rapid time control format was held in honor of the 82nd Birthday and 25th Death Anniversary of GM Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. who is best remembered for winning the 1976 Odessa International.
International Master Michael Concio Jr. won the Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Individual Rapid Chess Tournament held at the Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street in Mandaluyong City, Philippines on September 30, 2023.
The Dasmarinas City pride Concio finished with 6 wins and 1 draw for a total of 6.5 points, the same output of International Master Daniel Quizon of Dasmarinas City and International Master Rolando Nolte of Quezon City.
Concio, however, was proclaimed champion due to better tie break points against 2nd placer Quizon and 3rd placer Nolte.
The triumvirate split the combined P20,000 prizes for their efforts.
At 4th to 8th place with 6.0 points were NM Romeo Alcodia of Quezon City, Alexis Emil Maribao of General Trias City, IM Angelo Young of Manila, AGM Voltaire Marc Paraguya of General Trias City and WNM Daren dela Cruz of Silang City.
Rounding out to the top 15 were FM Mark Jay Bacojo of Dasmarinas City, IM Barlo Nadera of Malabon City, GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., Benjie Bercadez, Christian Mendoza of Antipolo City, NM Phil Martin Casiguran of Dasmarinas City, NM Jasper Faeldonia of Manila, IM Ronald Bancod of Quezon City, FM Adrian Ros Pacis of Mandaluyong City and FM Noel dela Cruz of Makati City.
13-time Philippine Open Champion GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE), National Past President Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez, Mr. Jessie Villasin and Ms. Mimi Casas graced the chessfest while former NCFP Executive Director Red Dumuk, NCFP Director Martin “Binky” Gaticales and Engr. Antonio Carreon Balinas led the closing rites in this 1-day tournament, sponsored by GM Balinas family, supported by NCFP Director Engr. Rey Urbiztondo, Rising Chess Unlimited Developmental Program, Open Kitchen Foodhall, Mr. Abraham Tecson and Bayanihan Chess Club legal counsel Atty. Rodolfo Enrique “Rudy” Rivera.
Final Standings: (7 rounds Swiss System, 10 minutes plus 5 seconds increment, 223 participants)
6.5 points—IM Michael Concio Jr., IM Daniel Quizon, IM Rolando Nolte
6.0 points—NM Romeo Alcodia, Alexis Emil Maribao, IM Angelo Young, AGM Voltaire Marc Paraguya, WNM Daren dela Cruz
5.5 points—FM Mark Jay Bacojo, IM Barlo Nadera, GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., Benjie Bercadez, Christian Mendoza, NM Phil Martin Casiguran, NM Jasper Faeldonia, IM Ronald Bancod, FM Adrian Ros Pacis, FM Noel dela Cruz