by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. , Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Janelle Mae Frayna and FIDE Master (FM) Sander Severino are among the favorites in the P100,000 free registration GM/Atty. Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Online Chess Tournament (open division) on Sept. 26, 2021 at lichess.org.
The 13-time Philippine champion Antonio, is best remembered for his second-place effort in the 2017 World Seniors held in Acqui Terme, topped the Aliwaros Arena on August 13 while the former Far Eastern University chess team mainstay Frayna achieved her final norm to become eligible for the title of Woman Grandmaster in the 42nd Chess Olympiad held in September 2016. This title was later confirmed by the Presidential Board by written resolution in early 2017 and became the Philippines’ first woman grandmaster.
The Silay, Negros Occidental ace Severino clinched the International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA) World Online Chess Rapid Championship title becoming the first player representing the Philippines to do so last June 2020 also set to fight for his place in P100,000 free registration tournament, hosted by US based frontliner Dr. Joe Balinas and Engr. Antonio “Uncle Paps” Balinas, both founding honorary chairman of the organizing Bayanihan Chess Club.
Also playing are International Masters Ricardo de Guzman, Barlo Nadera and Emmanuel Senador.
Others are National Masters Cesar Mariano, Merben Roque, Carlos Edgardo Garma, Jake dela Cruz, Nick Nisperos, Robert Arellano, Ronald Llavanes, Noel dela Cruz and Elwin Retanal.