Joey Antonio to play FIDE World Seniors 2019 Chess Championships

FILIPINO Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio “Joey” Madrigal Antonio Jr. is set to compete in the FIDE World Seniors 2019 Chess Championships, which begins on Monday at the Rin Grand Hotel in Bucharest, Romania.

The 19th seed Antonio (elo rating of 2427) bagged the runner-up trophy in the 2017 edition in Italy two years ago.

Backed up by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., the 57-years-old Mr. 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 Mr. Antonio who tallied undefeated record of 41 wins and drew four 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. — Marlon Bernardino