SO, ANTONIO HURDLE THEIR FIRST ROUND FOE IN PSC RAPID CHESS

GRANDMASTERS Wesley So and Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. won handily against their respective foes at the start of “ All in Sports” Rapid Open Chess Tournament yesterday at the PSC canteen in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Vito Cruz, Manila.

So, who is fresh from winning the Aeroflot junior plum defeated former University of the East mainstay Stephen Manzanero after 40 moves of Slav defense using the black pieces.

The 12 times national open champion Antonio, on the other hand turned back unheralded Virgen Gil Ruaya after 35 moves of Modern defense using the white pieces.

“My pieces is well coordinated most of the time, so I was able to sustain my good start,” said the Sta. Mesa, Manila native in Filipino who is best to remember winning the gold medal in the last year’s ASEAN Individual blitz chess championships in Vietnam with undefeated 8.5 points in nine outings. “I hope this will be the case for the rest of the tournament.”

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president/ chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. graced the opening rites and challenged all aspirants to give it their best shot.

“Always strive hard,” said Pichay, who was joined by NCFP secretary-general Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr. , NCFP director Red Dumuk and Wilfredo Abalos, Fide delegate Casto “Toti” Abundo, and PSC chairman Harry Angping in declaring the games open.

NCFP events manager Wilfredo “Willie” Abalos is the tournament director.

Other notable first round winners were GM Darwin Laylo, IMs Richard Bitoon and Chito Garma, FM David Elorta, NMs Mirabeau Maga, Stewart Manaoag, Ronald Llavanes, Efren Bagamasbad, Dante Zuniga among others.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.