Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. (elo 2427) and Fide Master (FM) Cesar Caturla (elo 2276) hurdled their respective rivals while International Master (IM) Angelo Young (elo 2288) halved the point in Round 9 to stay in contention going to the last two rounds of the FIDE World Seniors 2019 Chess Championships at the Rin Grand Hotel in Bucharest, Romania on Thursday.
The Calapan City native Antonio, top player of Oriental Mindoro governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor bested Indian International Master (IM) Devaki V. Prasad (elo 2226) in 52 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening to raise his total 6.0 points in nine outings in the 50 and above category. He was tied at 12th to 23th placers.
Caturla, on the other hand trounced Romanian Fide Master (FM) Sorin Giurumia (elo 2066) in 66 moves of English Opening for his 6.5 points and climb at 8th to 13th place in the 65-and-over section.
Young halved the point with American Grandmaster (GM) Alexander Shabalov (elo 2528) in 55 moves of Sicilian defense, dragon variation to move to 5th to 11th place with 6.5 points in the 50 and above class .
Antonio’s trip is sponsored by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by its chairman/president Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chair and CEO Andrea Domingo, Prage Management Corporation, Xavier School, Roger Py of Gibi Shoes, Antonio “Tony” Carreon Balinas, San Juan City Chief of Police Col. Jaime Osit Santos and Woman International Master (WIM) Cristine Mariano-Wågman.
In round 10 Antonio will face Israeli Grandmaster (GM) Lev Psakhis (elo 2461). Young plays opposite American Grandmaster Master (GM) Alex Yermolinsky (elo 2498) while Caturla goes up against Russian International Master (IM) Evgenij Kalegin (elo 2431).