MANILA – International Master Michael Concio Jr. sustained his winning form Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, to dominate the 16th Kamatyas Open chess tournament at the Vista Mall in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The pride of Dasmariñas City, Cavite, defeated Francis Ching, Jeremy Marticio, Gerald Ferriol, National Master (NM) Bob Jones Liwagon, Grandmaster (GM) Darwin Laylo, NM Giovanni Mejia and Internatonal Master (IM) Jan Emmanuel Garcia to sweep the seven-round Swiss system event and secure the P30,000 champion’s purse.
“I just persisted in training and study,” Concio said when asked to comment on his title victory. He is mentored by Fide Master Roel Abelgas.
Fide Master Mark Jay Bacojo tallied 6.5 points to finish second and earn P10,000, while IM Chito Garma placed third with 6.0 points, collecting P7,000.
GM Daniel Quizon, IM Barlo Nadera and GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. also scored 6.0 points.
Rounding out the Top 10 finishers were Ferriol, IM Paulo Bersamina, Garcia and IM Ricardo de Guzman. / PNA