MANILA---Two Filipino representatives Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Madrigal Antonio Jr. and Woman National Master Antonella Berthe Murillo Racasa return to chess action when the 2023 Bob Wade Masters and Challengers gets underway on January 13 to 21, 2023 at the Howick Community Church Complex in Auckland, New Zealand.

Antonio, who hails from Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, is competing in GMG Chess Open Rapid Tournament on Dec. 31 and Sir Herky Del Mundo Memorial Open Rapid Chess Tournament on Jan. 3, 2023, both will be held at the 2nd floor Open Kitchen Foodhall, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong City.
The 60-year-old Antonio, a resident of Quezon City secured the ninth place honors in the 30th FIDE World Senior Individual Chess Championship 2022 (50+ and 65+ Open-men and women) held at the Hotel Cenacolo in Assisi, Umbria, Italy last Nov. 26.

The 13-time Philippine Open champion Antonio collected 7.5 points on six wins, three draws and two losses and settled for the ninth place purse of €700 euro.
The 15-years-old Racasa saved the best for last for Mandaluyong City delegation as she erased all her frustrations by winning her first medal.
Racasa copped the silver in the 15 Under Female Batang Pinoy Blitz Category last Tuesday, Dec. 20 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Racasa defeated Jersey Marticio of Cabuyao City, Laguna in the seventh and final round to raise her total 6.0 points, behind eventual winner Ericka Ordizo of Pangasinan, who drew with Arena Fide Master Yaneah Sofia Morada of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. Ordizo won the gold with 6.5 markers.
Aside from Antonio and Racasa, National Master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. will also compete in the New Zealand chess tournament.
They have been invited by New Zealand Chess Federation Inc. vice president and organizer Paul Spiller to play in the international chessfest.
Delegation Head/Fide National Arbiter Roberto Manggaran Racasa acknowledged the support of Hotel Sogo.-Marlon Bernardino-