GM Antonio keeps hot win streak
By Marlon Bernardino
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 17:39:00 12/10/2008

Los Angeles, California – Filipino Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. preserved his winning run in the US chess circuit by ruling the 2008 Motor City Open at the Universal Chess Club in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The former University of Manila stand-out and many-time national open champion from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, defeated American Morgan Everett in the final round to finish with an unbeaten record of 5.5 points on five wins and a draw in the six-round event, the same output of American International Master (IM) Benjamin Finegold.

Antonio, whose stint is being supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and Filipino boxing idol Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, was declared overall champion after the tiebreak.

“Alay ko sa bayan ang aking tagumpay dito sa US Chess Circuit,” said Antonio, the top player of multi-titled Philippine Army Chess Team.

It was his fifth straight title in the United States following his triumphs in the 17th North American Fide Invitational at the Skokie, Illinois on November 15 to 21, 2008 Los Angeles Open on October 31 to November 2 in Los Angeles, California, 8th Universal Annual Swiss Chess Open on September 28 in Auburn Hills, Michigan and the G/19 on October 19 in Scottsdale, Georgia.

Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net

Posted by Picasa
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Tags: ,