Filipino Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio “Joey” Madrigal Antonio Jr. competes in the FIDE World Seniors 2019 Chess Championships, which begins today at the Rin Grand Hotel in Bucharest, Romania.
The 19th seed Antonio (elo rating of 2427), who bagged the runner-up trophy in the 2017 edition in Italy two years ago, will be pitted against top seed GM Kiril Georgiev (2582) of Republic of Macedonia, second seed GM Darcy Lima (2540) of Brazil, third seed GM Zurab Sturua (2540) of Georgia, fourth seed GM Alexander Shabalov (2528) of the United States, fifth seed GM Mihail Marin (2521) and sixth seed GM Vladislav Nevednichy (2518) of Romania, seventh seed GM Ivan Morovic Fernandez (2505) of Chile, eight seed GM Alex Yermolinsky (2498) of the United States, ninth seed GM Semen I. Dvoirys (2490) of Russia and tenth seed GM Artashes Minasian (2486) of Armenia, among others.
Backed up by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the 57-years-old Antonio, who holds the record 13-time Philippine Open Champion, will try to surpass his runner-up finish in the 27th World Senior Chess Championship 2017 (50+) held in Acqui Terme, Italy in 2017.
“I’m ready. It’s a big challenge for me, but I will do my very best for flag and country,” said Antonio who tallied undefeated record of 41 wins and drew 4 games in a rare 45 board simultaneous exhibition last Saturday at the Xavier School in San Juan City.
Jericho Winston Cu, a grade 4 pupil of Xavier School received chess set and a medal after halving the point with Antonio while his eldest brother Ivan Travis Cu, a grade 5 student of Xavier School pocketed medal being the last man standing.
“Let’s hope and pray GM (Rogelio) Joey (Antonio) will continue to play well and again bring honor to the country this year,” said Abraham “Abe” Tecson, a close confidante of Antonio, an alumni of Xavier School batch 73 who pocketed a medal being the oldest participants during the 45 board simultaneous exhibition of Antonio, being held in cooperation with Xavier School Athletics Department led by Larry De Las Peñas (Athletics Director), International Arbiter Rolando “Rolly” Yutuc (Chess Coach) and the parents of Xavier School varsity chess team and chess club.
