Antonio tops Blitz event

Manila—Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. on Monday scored 6.0 points in seven rounds to rule the Blitz event of the 2013 Battle of the Grandmasters Chess Championships at the Philippine Sports Commission office in Manila.

This is the biggest tournament title that Antonio won for 2013 after he tallied five wins and two draws.

US-based GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla actually had the same score as Antonio but the latter won via superior quotient in the event backed by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), the Philippine Sports Commisison (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Meanwhile, International Master Joel Pimentel and GM Darwin Laylo, finished in 3rd and 4th respectively, with 5.5 points each while four players, led by Fide Master Paulo Bersamina, finished in fifth to 8th places with 5.0 points apiece. Joining Bersamina are Rodolfo Panopio Jr., FM David Elorta, and GM candidate Ronald Dableo.

IM Oliver Dimakiling led a big group of 4.5 pointers that includes GM John Paul Gomez, GM Mark Paragua, NM Jerad Docena, FM Jony Habla and NM Nelson Villanueva.

Meanwhile, Woman Fide Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda won the title with 6.5 points followed by Woman National Master Christy Lamiel Bernales (5.5 points) and Woman Fide Master Cherry Ann Mejia (4.5 points).

At 4th to 5th spots are Woman International Master Beverly Mendoza and Ynna Sophia Canape with 4.0 points apiece.