by Marlon Bernardino
FILIPINO Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. (elo 2427) continued his winning ways in the FIDE World Seniors 2019 Chess Championships as he defeated Peter Olsson (elo 2144) of Sweden Friday night at the Rin Grand Hotel in Bucharest, Romania in the fourth round of the 11 round Swiss system tournament.
Despite being a pawn up, the 57 years old Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro native Antonio faced resitance from Olsson in the end game as the latter's resign in 46 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening game.
"(Peter) Olsson should have swapped rooks leaving him with slightly worse ending on paper. But (Rogelio) Antonio is strong in minor piece endings, too. After Antonio's 38 g4, along line which won the exchange, victory came swiftly." said chess guru Ignacio "Iggy" Dee who watched the game live thru chessbomb.com.
The win enabled the former University of Manila standout Antonio to raise his score to 3.5 points in four outings in the 50-and-above category, the same output of compatriot International Master (IM) Angelo Young (elo 2288),winner over GM Artashes Minasian (elo 2486) in 43 moves of Sicilian Rossolimo. Thus, Antonio and Young along 10 others shares 2nd spots.
GM Vladislav Nevednichy (elo 2518) of Romania subdued defending champion GM Karen Movsziszian (elo 2470) of Armenia to grabs the solol eadership board with perfect four points.
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, Mr.Roger Py of Gibi Shoes, engineer Antonio "Tony" Carreon Balinas, San Juan City Chief of Police Col. Jaime Osit Santos and Woman International Master (WIM) Cristine Mariano-Wågman.
In the 65-and-over section, Fide Master (FM) Cesar Caturla (elo 2276) defeated Kevin Bowmer (elo 2084) of England after 31 moves of English Opening for his three points.
In Round 5, Antonio will face GM Milos Pavlovic (elo 2482) of Serbia, Young will meet GM Lev Psakhis (elo 2461) of Israel while Caturla goes up against Herbert Abreu Carvalho (elo 2114) of Brazil.-Marlon Bernardino-