GM Antonio wins tough Malaysian chess
Filipino Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. and International Master Rolando Nolte of the Philippines settled for a draw in their 11th and final round assignments to share the top honor in the 9th IGB Dato’ Arthur Tan Chess Festival Combined Rapid 2012 and Blitz Open Championship held last Aug. 19-23 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Calapan, Oriental Mindoro Antonio drew with GM Eldar Gasanov of Ukraine while Nolte split the point with countryman GM elect Ronald Dableo to tally 9.0 points in 11 outings.
However, Antonio took the championship trophy with a higher tie break score.
GM Richard Bitoon of Medellin, Cebu routed compatriot NM Ali Branzuela of Paranaque to notch 8.5 points, good for a share of 3rd to 7th places in the company of Gasanov, Dableo, IM Awam Wahono and FM Anjas Novita of Indonesia.
The Filipinos’ campaign in Malaysian chess circuit is backed by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., Secretary-General Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr. and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales.
