ANTONIO BEATS ELORTA IN PHILIPPINE CHESS BLITZ FACE OFF SERIES
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 21 Jan 2018
GRANDMASTER Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. downed Fide Master David Elorta, 7-5, to win their match-up in the first-ever Philippine Chess Blitz Online Face Off Series on Saturday, January 20, 2018, dubbed as "Grudge Match" at the Alabang Hills Village, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
The match was very close and lasted the full 12 games before the match winner was decided according to tournament organizer Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) founding president Atty. Cliburn Anthony A. Orbe.
"The 55-year old GM Joey Antonio, fighting a 35-year old opponent generally regarded as the Blitz King of Philippine Chess, showed why he is the Living Legend by beating FM David Elorta at his own game," added Atty. Orbe, also the Vice President of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
"Unlike the first match where Elorta would lead at the clock by 3 to 4 minutes, this time around it was Antonio who proved to be the faster thinker, often having more time than Elorta who couldn't outplay Antonio without a time advantage," he said.
"However, in the second half of the match, Elorta showed that he has the heart of a champion by leveling the match score after being down 4-2 after six games. GM Joey Antonio likewise rose to the occasion and refused to wilt under the pressure exerted by Elorta. Antonio won games 9 and 10 to go up 2 games and needed only a draw in the last two games to win the match. Elorta, however, showed his never-say-die attitude by winning game 11, keeping his hopes alive to send the match to tiebreak if he wins game 12. Antonio would have none of it; in game 12 he dictated the tempo and won material to clinch the game and the match," last word of Atty. Orbe.
It was a sweet victory of the 55-year old GM Antonio, the 13-times Philippine Open Champion who suffered a heart-breaking loses to 35-year-old FM Elorta during their first encounter, 7-3, last last January 7, 2018, in the five minutes, five seconds delay format whoever first player to reach 6.5 points will win the match.
"It was a great feeling, beating FM David Elorta in the first-ever Philippine Chess Blitz Online Face Off Series," Antonio said.
The Quezon City resident Antonio said he felt had a hard time beating Elorta. "Especially since I am 55-years-old, and they say that playing blitz is only for the young," he said.
"It's a big privileged and honor to play Grandmaster Joey (Antonio)," said the San Andres, Bukid Manila Elorta, who honed his chess skills at the famous Tarrasch Knight Chess Club in Guadalupe Mall in Makati City, winner over fellow Fide Master (FM) Narquingden "Arden" Reyes of Rodriguez, Rizal, 7-6, last January 14, 2018, dubbed as "Duel of The Speed Kings".
In other results, Grandmaster Dawin Laylo defeated Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, 6.5-4.5.
In added attraction during the half time break, eight-year-old Philippine chess wunderkind Al Basher "Basty" Buto of Cainta, Rizal, a Maranaw kid who hails from Marawi City played with Mark Jay Bacojo of Dasmarinas, Cavite in a battle of age grouper while Makati Medical Center top gunner Ron Matehek Hermida, the ever popular commentator of the matches played with UE women's varsity player Virginie Ruaya of Taytay, Rizal.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Young Gildo: The Baguio Bearcat
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Filipino International Master Paulo Bersamina places solo runner-up in the 22nd Bangkok Chess Club Open in Thailand
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 22 Apr 2025Female Amateur Boxing Star Sar’ai Brown-El Signs with Split-T Management
Tue, 22 Apr 2025Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025