Antonio cops La Union chess crown

SAN FERNANDO, La Union — Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio ruled the second La Union Open chess championship Wednesday afternoon at the fourth floor of Marcos Building, City of San Fernando, La Union.

Handling the white pieces, the second seed Antonio defeated 14th seed NM Ronald Llavanes in marathon 71 moves of a Pirc Defense to notch 8.0 points out of the possible nine and bag the top purse of P50, 000 plus trophy and the title of 2003 La Union Open chess king.

"Masaya ako sa pagkapanalo kong ito," said the 42-year-old Calapan, Mindoro Oriental native who also ruled the recent Marikina chessfest.

Top seed GM Eugene Torre beat deposed champion NM Emmanuel Senador after 64 moves of an Alekhine defense to score 7.5 points and take home the runner-up prize of P30, 000 and trophy.

Two-time national junior champion NM John Paul Gomez, who upset NM Richard Bitoon, and seventh seed FIDE Master Jesse Noel Sales, who won over NM Rolando Andador, tallied identical 7.0 points apiece to share the third and fourth place prizes. Each received P15,000 but Gomez was awarded the third place trophy because of higher tie-break points.

Sharing fifth to 13th places in the tournament organized by the NCFP and sponsored jointly by Gov. Victor Ortega of La Union and San Fernando City Mayor Mary Jane Ortega were IMs Chito Garma, Mark Paragua, Barlo Nadera, NMs Rolly Martinez, Rolando Nolte, Ferdinand Leysa.

The category winners were Julius Sinangote (non-master), NM Eduardo Agagon (senior) and Loren Brigham Laceste