TAGAYTAY CITY---Filipino International Master (IM) Michael "Jako" Concio Jr. pocketed the top honors in the Asian Juniors Chess Championship 2022 - Rapid held Friday at the Knights Templar Ridge Hotel in Tagaytay City here.
The 17-year-old Concio, a Grade 12 student of Dasmariñas Integrated High School collected 6.5 points on six wins and one draw to win the seven-round tournament applying the 10 minutes with an increment of 10 seconds.
Concio scored victories over Arena Fide Master Michael Michio Dela Cruz of the Philippines in the first round, Noah Combs of Guam in the second round, Fide Master Eldiar Orozbaev of Kyrgyzstan in the third round, Ramadhan Dziththauly in the fifth round, Fide Master Arman Hakemi of Iran in the sixth round and International Master Neelash Saha of India in the seventh and final round. He split the points with Chatterjee Utsab of India in the fourth round.
“The win is a blessing," said Concio whose stint here is being supported by Rep. Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga, Mayor Jenny Barzaga, National Coach Fide Master Roel Abelgas and Papadu Sportswear.
Earlier, Cavite Vice Governor and National Chess Federation of the Philippines Vice President Athena Bryana D. Tolentino and Girls top seed Woman International Master Assel Serikbay of Kazakhstan made the ceremonial opening moves kicking off the eight-day tournament also graced by Tagaytay City Mayor and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino and Asian Chess Federation Executive Board member Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh and Appeals Committee members from India, Guam, Iran, Malaysia and Kazakhstan.
Meanwhile, the standard competition gets underway on Saturday.
The 9-round Swiss system tournament is sponsored by the Asian Chess Federation (ACF), Philippine Sports Commission and the City of Tagaytay.-Marlon Bernardino-
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