GM JOEY ANTONIO CONTINUED HIS WINNING STREAK IN US CHESS CICRCUIT

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA—FILIPINO GRANDMASTER ROGELIO “JOEY” ANTONIO JR.’s winning streak continued last November 30 with his victory at the 2008 Motor City Open at the Universal Chess Club in Auburn Hills, Michigan, according to the official website yesterday.

The former University of Manila stand-out Antonio, the many-time national open champion from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro defeated American Morgan Everett in the final round to finished with unbeaten record 5.5 points on five wins and a draw in the six-round event, the same output of Amemrican IM Benjamin Finegold. Antonio, whose stint here 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 named as champion after the tiebreak.

” Alay ko sa bayan ang aking tagumpay dito sa US Chess Circuit,” said Antonio, the top player of multi-titlist 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 Scottdale, Georgia.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO