Antonio, Bagamasbad off to good start in Melbourne chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 08 Apr 2025
Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. and International Master (IM) Jose Efren Bagamasbad got off to a blazing start by posting victory and a draw in the opening round of the Melbourne International Open 2025 on Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Melbourne Chess Club in Melbourne, Australia.
The 63-year-old Antonio, playing white, defeated FIDE Master Ray Yang of Australia in 41 moves of Caro Kann defense, two knights variation.
"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.
On the part of 68-year-old Bagamasbad, also playing white, halved the point with Candidate Master Rheyansh Reddy Annapureddy of Australia in 77 moves of Sicilian defense, Rossolimo variation.
"We hope to perform well in this event and gain some Elo rating points," added Bagamasbad.
Antonio's Australian Chess Circuit campaign is backed up by the Philippine Sports Commission, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Col. Jaime Osit Santos, David Almirol and Bert Cunan while Bagamasbad's Australian Chess Circuit campaign was made possible with the support of the Quezon City government headed by Mayor Joy Belmonte and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman and CEO Alejandro “Al” Tengco.
Antonio and Bagamasbad, both residents of Quezon City, are scheduled to play in the 2025 O2C Doeberl Cup Chess Tournament to be held at Canberra from April 17 - 21 2025, and the Sydney International Open 2025 to be held at Sydney from April 23-27, 2025.
Antonio and Bagamasbad will also represent the country in the FIDE (World Chess Federation) World Seniors Chess Championship on October 20 to November 2, 2025 in Gallipoli, Puglia, Italy.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Yanong arrives in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 04 May 2026OLEKSANDR USYK VS RICO VERHOEVEN ‘GLORY IN GIZA’ TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR HISTORIC UNDISPUTED CLASH IN EGYPT – LIVE ON DAZN
Mon, 04 May 2026Parade of champs
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 03 May 2026David Surov outboxes Kevin Martinez at IBA.PRO Russia vs World
Sun, 03 May 2026SHEEHY MAKES MATCHROOM DEBUT AGAINST GONZALEZ IN HOUSTON
Sun, 03 May 2026PH chess wizard IM Christian Gian Karlo Arca tops FIDE May 2026 PH Under 20 Junior rankings
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 03 May 2026The Monster Prevails: Inoue Weathers the Storm to Outlast Nakatani
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 02 May 2026Benavidez vs. Ramirez: Experts Weigh In Ahead of Blockbuster May 2 Light Heavyweight Clash
Sat, 02 May 2026Tsendy Erdenebat Wins Clear-Cut Unanimous Decision over Cobia Breedy in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Sat, 02 May 2026Coach Ederwin Estavillo is ready
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 02 May 2026WOLVERHAMPTON FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR WALKER-EGGINGTON
Sat, 02 May 2026Cebuano Elmo Traya Eyes WBF World Title in Georgia
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 02 May 2026Jeter Promotions Yvgeniy Pavlov on a Championship Track
Sat, 02 May 20262nd SIGLO 100km Ultramarathon set May 30-31
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 02 May 2026Let's Go to San Manuel, Tarlac
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 02 May 2026