by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—International Master Michael Concio Jr. scored a crucial win over Woman International Master Marie Antoinette San Diego in the ninth and final round to claim the championship of the 6th Edition of Kamatyas Rapid Invitational Chess Tournament 2022 dubbed as Chess Avengers held at the SM City Sucat in Paranaque City last Saturday, Dec.10.
Photo shows from left IM Ronald Dableo (2nd), IM Michael Concio Jr. (champion) and IM Angelo Abundo Young (3rd).
Also in photo Kamatyas Chess Club president International Master Roderick Nava and Kamatyas Chess Club co-founding head David Almirol Jr
After losing to International Master Ronald Dableo in the sixth round, Concio bounced back with aplomb to down FIDE Master Jeth Romy Morado, National Master Christian Mark Daluz and San Diego in his last three assignments.
That was all Concio needed to nail the title with the highest output of 8.0 points in nine rounds. He pocketed P30,000 for his efforts in this FIDE rated tournament sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
Concio, figured in a triple tie with Dableo and International Master Angelo Abundo Young with similar 8.0 points but Concio settled for the top honors by virtue of a higher tie-breaker.
Dableo and Young got P10,000 and P7,000 for winding up second and third, respectively.
Actually, Dableo was a full point ahead going to the last round but was beaten by Young.
“I am very happy with this victory,” said the 17-year-old Concio, a Grade 12 student of Dasmariñas Integrated High School, whose stint here is being supported by Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga, Mayor Jenny Barzaga, National Coach FIDE Master Roel Abelgas, Mr. Martin Meneses and Papadu Sportswear.
International Master Daniel Quizon finished solo fourth with 7.5 points followed by Rowell Roque, Morado, National Master Prince Mark Aquino, Mark Daluz and Kevin Mirano with 7.0 points each.
In tenth place was San Diego who had 6.5 points in a tie with FIDE Master David Elorta, National Master NM Noel Dela Cruz and Chester Neil Reyes but the former (San Diego) was given the tenth spot with superior tie break.
Earlier, Kamatyas Chess Club co-founding head David Almirol Jr., Kamatyas Chess Club president International Master Roderick Nava, San Diego and 13-time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., made the ceremonial moves to kick off the one-day rapid tournament also graced by International Arbiter Reden Cruz, FIDE National Arbiter Byron Gabrentina Villar, National Arbiters Boyet Tardecilla and Fedinand “Ferdie” Reyes Sr. of the Philippine Arbiters Chess Confederation.
Final Standings: (150 participants)
8.0 points—IM Michael Concio Jr., IM Ronald Dableo, IM Angelo Abundo Young
7.5 points—IM Daniel Quizon
7.0 points—Rowell Roque, FM Jeth Romy Morado, NM Prince Mark Aquino, NM Christian Mark Daluz, Kevin Mirano
6.5 points—WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego, FM David Elorta , NM Noel Dela Cruz , Chester Neil Reyes