Pinoy wins chess championship in LA
January 5, 2009

MONTEREY PARK – Filipino Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. continued his winning streak in the US as he emerged over-all champion in the recently held 10th Annual Joseph Ileto Memorial Open Chess Championships at the Monterey Park, California. Antonio bested compatriot Fide Master Joel “Cholo” Banawa in the fourth round then proceed to a draw with American international master Jack Peters in the fifth and final round to secure the over-all win.

The former University of Manila (UM) stand-out actually finished in a tie for top place with FIDE Master Takahashi Iwamoto with 4.5 points after five rounds of play. However, Antonio edged the Japanese after tie break points was applied. Antonio’s US stint is being supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., Philippines Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and Filipino boxing idol Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

Source: http://www.manilamaildc.net

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Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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