Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio topped the GM Balinas Open at the Pavilion Mall in Mandaluyong City Sunday night.
Antonio scored 6.0 points to claim the PHP15,000 champion's purse in the seven-round tournament held in honor of the late Rosendo Balinas Jr.
International Master Chito Garma finished second followed by IM Michael Concio Jr., Fide Master Christian Mark Daluz, and National Master Carlo Magno Rosaupan.
Others in the Top 10 were Sherwin Tiu, Jan Lei Kian Rosaupan, FMs Ivan Travis Cu, Randy Segarra, and David Elorta.
"Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings, especially winning this tough tournament in memory of my late coach Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr.," said Antonio, a 13-time Philippine Open champion.
He beat NM Davin Sean Romualdez (Round 1), Nathaniel Ablazo (Round 3), FM Noel Dela Cruz (Round 4), Tiu (Round 5) and Garma (Round 6) and settled for the draw with Jan Lei Kian Rosaupan (Round 2) and Concio (Round 7).
Meanwhile, NM Oshrie Jhames Reyes ruled the NM Gerald Ferriol Chess Cup Kiddies (14U) title with 6.5 points.
Reyes, a member of the UST junior chess team, received PHP5,000.
Lana Angela Sotaridona was second followed by Mark Jeross Albert and Gllasea Ann Hilario with 6.0 points each in the tournament organized by the Bayanihan Chess Club. (PNA)
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