GRAND master (GM) Rogelio “Joey” Antonio leaned on his vast experience to emerge champion in the 1st IA James Infiesto Online Chess960 Tournament held Tuesday, April 28, via lichess.org.
Antonio accumulated a total of 62 points in his 19 outings in the event sponsored by Dabawenyo Infiesto, who is also regional director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).
National master (NM) Joey Floirendo of Zamboanga City and John Ray Batucan of Toril, Davao City placed second and third, respectively.
Floirendo earned 47 points while Batucan had 41 points.
Cash prizes of P300, P200 and P100 were awarded to the winners.
Antonio eked out 17 victories, drew one match and absorbed one loss to Jones Maghuyop in his 18th assignment.
He split points with Floirendo in his 16th match encounter.
Antonio’s victims included SubasteArman, ChessandLifemastery, Netrepreneur, Jlo_Prince, enemydown121087, VladimirGonzales16, JandeeHonrada, VA_Medina, Sander Severino, Ariel Nino Aton, Pcacyrus_78, Austin Jacob Literatu (twice), Denzel Amar, Dokmatov_101, Ivan Kim Falcatan and arena grand master (AGM) Henry Roger Lopez.
Organizer Ely Acas yesterday said player with username nauthzz2700, based on the lichess system, finished second but since he did not abide by the rule of the organizers to use only real name on his lichess account for registration, his runner-up prize was forfeited and so was his ranking.
The online chess competition attracted 218 woodpushers in the country.