MANILA, Philippines — GM Joey Antonio put up a strong finish, scoring 1.5 points in the last two rounds to bag the first Cesar Orbe Memorial Chess 960 series online crown at www.chess.com recently.
Showing no signs of slowing down, the 13-time Philippine Open titlist hurdled NM Joey Florendo in the 10th round then forced a draw with NM Rolzon Roullo in the final round to finish with 9.5 points on eight wins and three draws.
FIDE Master Sander Severino also wound up with the same score but Antonio took the crown with a higher tiebreak score.
“I’m very happy and proud to win this tournament,” said Antonio, who bested IMs Daniel Quizon and Paulo Bersamina and FM Arden Reyes on his way to the championship.
Roullo took third place with nine points, nipping GM Darwin Laylo and two others in the tiebreak in the event that drew 197 players and organized by NCFP executive director Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe.