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:
"The Mexican Monster" Terrorizes the 175: Benavidez Demolishes Yarde to Win WBC Light Heavyweight Title
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 23 Nov 2025Harden scores 55 points for a new LA Clippers record
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 23 Nov 2025Devin Haney Dominates Brian Norman Jr. to Claim WBO Welterweight Title
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 23 Nov 2025"Bam" Rodriguez Stops "Puma" Martínez in 10
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 23 Nov 2025Abdullah Mason Edges Sam Noakes in War, Becomes Youngest Current World Champion
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 23 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 2: 1908 OLYMPICS AT LONDON, ENGLAND
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 22 Nov 2025FRANCISCO VERON DOMINATES ROIMAN VILLA IN MAIN EVENT OF PROBOXTV’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS AT WAR MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM IN FORT LAUDERDALE
Sat, 22 Nov 2025Lining enters Round of 32
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 22 Nov 2025The Ring IV: Night of Champions Set to Ignite Riyadh Saturday
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 22 Nov 2025Final list of candidates announced for elections at World Boxing Congress 2025
Sat, 22 Nov 2025RING/DAZN PPV Card Gives Bang for the Bucks
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 21 Nov 2025WEIGHTS FROM PROBOXTV’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
Fri, 21 Nov 2025JC Chavez Jr to return in January 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 20 Nov 2025Houston Rockets Subdue Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-104, Gain Tie for 2nd in the West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 20 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 1: 1904 OLYMPICS AT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 20 Nov 2025