Philippines’ Antonio, Villanueva finish 1-2
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 20 Sep 2022
MANILA---Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. of Quezon City and Fide Master Nelson Villanueva of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental made the country proud anew after a strong 1-2 finish in the MRSM Tun Mustapha Chess Championship 2022 (Open) that was held at the MRSM Tun Mustapha Tawau in Sabah, Malaysia last Sunday.
Antonio defeated Singaporean International Master Chan Peng Kong in the ninth and final round to finish with 7.5 points on six victories and three draws in the nine-round Swiss System event, the same output of Villanueva, who drew with Indonesian Kamalsyah Muhammad.
Antonio ranked number one in the tournament, clinched the title, the top purse of 3,500 RM (Malaysian ringgit), trophy plus certificate by virtue of higher tie break points while Villanueva pocketed the runner-up purse of 2,500 RM (Malaysian ringgit) trophy plus certificate in the contest which lured 92 woodpushers.
On his way to the title, GM Antonio beat Yaakub Nov Genevia Pslam of Malaysia in the first round, Ladimal of Malaysia in the second round, Ahmad Md Siraj Munir of Brunei in the third round round and Wising Abdul Sahim Malaysia in the fourth round and Fide Master Yee Soon Wei of Brunei in the fifth round.
He split the point with FM Villanueva in the sixth round, International Master IM Andyka Pitra of Indonesia in the seventh round and Kamalsyah Muhammad of Indonesia in the eight round before beating IM Chan in the last round.
GM Antonio's next tournament will be the Rapid Chess Championships hosted by Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Officer-In-Charge Director General Teroso "Theo" O. Panga in partnership with JC Premiere Marikina Business Center to be held on September 30 at the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Main Office Double Dragon Center, West Building, DD Meridian Park, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Pasay City.
With the victory, Antonio and Villanueva's performance boosted the nation's morale, said National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/President Rep. Prospero "Butch" Arreza Pichay Jr.
“Once again our flag has been raised in this foreign land after knowing that our Filipino kababayan Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. of Quezon City and Fide Master Nelson Villanueva of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental made the country proud anew after a strong 1-2 finish in Sabah, Malaysia International Chess Tournament," he said.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Weigh-In Results: Fundora and Conwell Ready for Golden Boy Fight Night in Oceanside
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Undefeated, rising Canadian prospect Eric Basran wins in Opening round to advance to quarterfinals of inaugural Riyadh Season/WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia
Sat, 19 Apr 2025WEIGHTS FROM LONG BEACH
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Weights From Washington, PA
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Jerald Into Advances in WBC Boxing Grand Prix with Dominant Win Over Ahmad Jones
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Set for Homecoming Title Defense against Edwin De Los Santos at Norfolk's Scope Arena
Sat, 19 Apr 2025JAKE PAUL vs JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR / ZURDO RAMIREZ vs YUNIEL DORTICOS JUNE 28 in ANAHEIM
Sat, 19 Apr 2025June 8: Junto Nakatani-Ryosuke Nishida Bantamweight Unification Showdown Headlines Tokyo Super Card Streaming LIVE on ESPN+
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Thursday’s Action at the 2025 USA Boxing International Open Concludes
Sat, 19 Apr 2025H2O Sylve Returns to the Ring April 26th At Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta Amado Vargas Is Co-Main Live On BLK PRIME
Sat, 19 Apr 2025FM Arca bounces back, defeats IM Laohawirapap of Thailand in 6th round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 19 Apr 2025