Antonio rules PSC Chair Angping Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Grandmaster Rogelio Antonio Jr. outclassed IM Julio Catalino Sadorra in the final round to emerge the solo champion in the first Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Harry Angping Cup rapid chess championships at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Antonio used his vast experience to dismantle Sadorra and clinch the overall crown with an eight-point total in the nine-round, 147-player tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines in honor of the PSC chief.

He won P50,000 and trophy donated by Angping.

Dresden Olympiad veteran Chardine Cheradee Camacho topped the women’s division while Vince Angelo Medina bagged the kiddies crown.

Top seed GM Wesley So beat FM Jan Emmanuel Garcia to finish joint second with IM Rolando Nolte and NM Alex Milagrosa with 7.5 points.

Nolte toppled GM John Paul Gomez, while Milagrosa shocked IM Richard Bitoon.

So, Nolte and Milagrosa pocketed P20,000 each.

NM Emmanuel Senador outplayed Deniel Causo, FM Haridas Pascua whipped Ivan Gil Biag, and David Elorta humbled Christian Arroyo to join Garcia and Sadorra in joint sixth with seven points.

Gomez led the 6.5 pointers who included GM Darwin Laylo, Alcon John Datu, FM Jony Habla, IM Oliver Dimakiling, Narquingden Reyes and Rhonel Legaspi.

Laylo nipped NM Efren Bagamasbad, Datu upset IM Barlo Nadera, Habla overwhelmed James Bulicatin, Dimakiling bested Paulo James Florendo, Reyes surprised IM Chito Garma and Legaspi overpowered Ronald Llavanes.

Angping personally awarded the trophies and cash prizes to the winners.

Camacho subdued fellow WFM Sherily Cua to finish with 7.5 points and win P20,000.

Aices Salvador beat Jedara Docena to clinch runner-up honors with seven points and P10,000.