Italy chess tourney: Antonio bounces back into contention
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 24 Nov 2022
MANILA---Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr bounced back in contention after a setback in the sixth and seventh round by defeating International Master Markus Loeffler of Germany in the 30th FIDE World Senior Individual Chess Championship (50+ and 65+ Open-men and women) held at the Hotel Cenacolo in Assisi, Umbria, Italy on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
The 60-year-old Antonio prevailed after 22 moves Sicilian Defense, Rossolimo Attack variation using the advantageous white pieces in the eight round.
Antonio, who beat Grandmaster Eric Prie of France in the fifth round before losing to Grandmaster Darcy Lima of Brazil in the sixth round and top seed Grandmaster Zurab Sturua of Georgia in the seventh round, came back strong to chalk up his fifth win on account of 5 points, 1 draw and 2 loses in eight matches and share tenth to 23rd places in the 50+ category.
The thirteen-seeded Filipino champion swept his first three assignments over Igor Tsyn of Israel, Fide Master Milan Kolesar of Slovakia and International Master Hussein Ali Hussein Al-Ali of Iraq before halving the point with Grandmaster Ivan Morovic Fernandez of Chile in the fourth round.
Antonio, whose trip is being bankrolled by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. , Sen. Bong Go, Col. Jaime Osit Santos and Bayanihan Chess Club Co-Founding Chairman Dr. Joe Balinas, will slug it out countryman International Master Angelo Abundo Young in the ninth round Thursday night.
The 59-year-old Young, an an eight-time Illinois USA champion, subdued Fide Master Nicola Paglietti of Italy.
Meanwhile, GM Fernandez racked up his third straight wins this time to GM Lima after 48 moves of Sicilian Dragon, Maróczy Bind variation to grab the solo lead with 7.0 points, half a point ahead with GM Sturua and IM Fabrizio Bellia of Italy who totes 6.5 points apiece.
International Master elect and Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad dismantled Julio Santos of Portugal to meet FM Malkiel Peretz of Israel in the next round.
The 66-year-old Bagamasbad raised his total 5.0 points in the 65 years old and above category.
GM Jens Kristiansen of Denmark upset top pick GM Dr. John Nunn of England to climb at the top spot with 7.0 points in eight outings.
Kristiansen only loss at the hands of Bagamasbad in the second round.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Dacullo Edges Cometa in Thriller, Remains GAB Philippine Youth Minimum weight Champion
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 27 Apr 2026SKYE NICOLSON FIRES WARNING TO MARIAH TURNER AS SHE TARGETS HOMECOMING WIN THIS WEDNESDAY IN BID TO LAND UNDISPUTED SHOT
Mon, 27 Apr 2026Salim Ellis-Bey Concludes 2026 World Boxing Cup - Stage 1 with Silver Medal
Mon, 27 Apr 2026IIEE PSME Quezon City wins all matches in PCAP
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 27 Apr 2026Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering team to the championship of the Oliver Laroya 3x3 (Tatluhan) Rapid Chess Team Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 26 Apr 2026Simona Winkler, Salim Ellis-Bey and Noelle Haro Advance to Medal Rounds At 2026 World Boxing Cup – Stage 1
Sun, 26 Apr 2026Sanman 100 Official Weigh-In Results from General Santos
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Subkhankulov stops Usmonov, Agrba wins hard test, and Aminova claims WBA Asia title at IBA.PRO 17 in Ufa
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Pero vs Miller: Heavies Collide in Prove it fight on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 25 Apr 2026Subkhankulov Stops Usmonov in Russia, Claims IBF No. 2 Spot at Lightweight
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Yeow Ming to fight in Bangkok for ABF title
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 25 Apr 2026MILLER VS. PERO - WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER AHEAD OF TOMORROW NIGHT’S ACTION
Sat, 25 Apr 2026IBA Pro Champions Night to feature world champions in Saint Petersburg
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Noelle Haro and Marie Rosendo Advance to Quarterfinals with Wins on Day Four of 2026 World Boxing Cup – Stage 1
Sat, 25 Apr 2026Bautista to face Dulayba at Okada on April 30
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 25 Apr 2026