Antonio, Garma off to good start in Asian Senior chess
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 16 Oct 2023
TAGAYTAY CITY, Philippines – Grandmasters Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. and International Master Chito Garma got off to a blazing start by posting victories in the opening round of the 12th Asian Senior Chess Championship at the Knights Templar Hotel, Tagaytay City on Sunday.
Antonio defeated countryman Ferdinand Olivares after 21 moves of Sicilian defense while Garma subdued Galymzhan Ibrayev of Kazakhstan after 40 moves of another Sicilian defense.
“The first round is one of the toughest rounds in any tournament. It usually sets the tone of how you’re going to perform,” said Antonio, who finished second in the World Seniors in Acqui Terme, Italy in 2017.
"We hope to perform well in this event and gain some ElO rating points aside from GM norms," added Garma, who topped the Asian Seniors in Tagaytay City in 2018.
IM Barlo Nadera, IM Angelo Abundo Young, and FM Carlos Edgardo Garma also opened with wins.
Nadera scalped Bat-Erdene Badrakh of Mongolia after 47 moves of Queens Gambit Declined, while Young toppled Dubai, UAE based Danilo Reyes after 58 moves of Catalan Opening, while Garma outplayed Irina Bulanova after 40 moves of Sicilian defense.
Other opening day winners in the 50 years old and above division are Singapore based IM Enrique Paciencia and Ricky Navalta.
Defending champion IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad outclassed AFM Zharokov Biket of Kazakhstan to led the opening round winners in the 65-above division that includes FM Adrian Ros Pacis, FM Antonio Molina, NM Mario Mangubat, NM Quirino Sagario, Joselito Dormitorio, Miles Patterson of Australia and IM Baimurzin Aitkazy of Kazakhstan.
The weeklong event is hosted by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, Cavite Vice Governor Athena Bryana Tolentino in close cooperation with the World Chess Federation, Asian Chess Federation and National Chess Federation of the Philippines chairman and president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.
Meanwhile, the Philippine chess team headed by Coach National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. together with athletes Charly Jhon Yamson, Jirah Floravie Cutiyog and Maureinn Lepaopao paid a courtesy call to the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President and Tagaytay City mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino Jr. during the opening of the 12th Asian Senior Chess Championship at the Knights Templar Hotel in Tagaytay City on Sunday.
The Philippine chess team is scheduled to represent the country in the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship on Nov.12-25 in Montesilvano, Italy.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boston Returns to East Finals; Dallas A Win Away for the West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 16 May 2024Arca Continues to Pursue Coveted IM Norm in Vietnam Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 May 2024Martin joins Pinoy invasion
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 16 May 2024Media Workout: Fury & Usyk T-3 Days From Making Heavyweight History
Thu, 16 May 2024ESPN and Top Rank Present DAZN on ESPN+ PPV Event: Undisputed Heavyweight Title Showdown Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk
Thu, 16 May 2024FIERRO AND RIVERA LAND TITLE FIGHTS IN PUERTO RICO
Thu, 16 May 2024Tayden Beltran vs Cesar Villarraga Headlines CBN Promotions June 22 Show
Thu, 16 May 2024Puerto Rican National Champion Carlos De León Castro Signs with Boxlab Promotions
Thu, 16 May 2024Cavite tops Cagayan in Armageddon
Thu, 16 May 2024The Past Week in Action 13 May 2024: Lomachenko Stops Kambosos; Guevara Edges Andrew Moloney; Tapales KOs Jangkaew in 1
By Eric Armit, Wed, 15 May 2024Denver, New York Overwhelm Semis Foes; One Win Away from W-E Conf Finals
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 15 May 2024Misamis joins PSL Mindanao Regional Finals
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 15 May 2024Mexican Boxing Legends Rally Behind Emanuel Navarrete's Historic Bid to Become a Four-Division World Champion
Wed, 15 May 2024Legendary Panama Al Brown Inducted into NYSBHOF
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 15 May 2024Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk Make Grand Arrivals ahead of Saturday's UNDISPUTED SHOWDOWN
Wed, 15 May 2024