13-time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. settled for a draw Friday against International Master Angelo Young after 33 moves of London System Opening to retain his lead after eight rounds of 2019 GM Rosendo Balinas Memorial Cup chess championship at the Activity Hall, Second Floor Alphaland Makati Place in Malugay Street, Makati City.
Antonio, 57, country's this year representative in the 2019 Bucharest, Romania World Seniors Chess Championship, raised his total to 6.5 points on five wins and three draws. " I hope to do well in this event," said Antonio, vice-champion in the 2017 Italy World Seniors Chess Championship.
Sherwin Tiu nipped Kevin Mirano after 65 moves of Nimzo Indian defense to score 5.0 points, the same output of International Master Daniel Quizon.
In other matches saw, Rolly Parondo Jr. upset National Master Julius Sinangote after 38 moves of London System Opening, National Master Carlo Magno Rosaupan halving the point with Grandmaster John Paul Gomez after 33 moves of Nimzo Indian defense and International Master Chris Ramayrat subdued Michael Concio Jr. after 54 moves of Sicilian defense.