Thursday, 30 July 2026 · Philippines
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GM Antonio outwits Kazakh GM, shares lead

Gallipoli, Italy ---Grandmaster Rogelio "Joéy" Antonio Jr. , playing black defeated Grandmaster Murtas Kazhgaleyev of Kazakhstan in 59 moves of Bogo-Indian defense to gain a share of the lead in the fifth round of the 33rd FIDE World Senior Chess Championships at the Grand Hotel Brada in Gallipoli, Italy on Saturday.

The victory of Antonio caught Grandmaster Michal Krasenkow of Poland on top with 4.5 points in five outings in the 50-above category.

Antonio will battle Krasenkow for the solo leadership in the sixth round.

"I hope to sustain the momentum," said the 63-year-old Antonio, whose stint here is being supported by PAGCOR Chairman/CEO Alejandro Tengco, Hotel Sogo Corporate Marketing Manager Maria Suzette Geminiano , Sportsman Christopher "Dong" Cheng and Composite Technology Inc. President/General Manager Ricardo Padrinao.

Also staying in the title hunt who got 4.0 points each are GM Victor Mikhalevski of Israel, GM Michele Godena of Italy, GM Paul Motwani of Scotland, GM Darcy Lima of Brazil, IM Fabio Bellini of Italy, GM Maxim Novik of Lithuania, GM Mikheil Kekelidze of Georgia ,IM Ali Farahat of USA and IM Martin Martens of France.

Meanwhile, FIDE Master Mario Mangubat beat Viktor Sivirin of Kazakhstan after 68 moves of Modern defense while International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad defeated International Master Boris Maryasin of Israel after 39 moves of Modern defense.

Mangubat and Bagamasbad tallied 3.0 points apiece in the 65 and over category.

In the sixth round, Mangubat goes up against Reinhard Bachler of Austria while Bagamasbad opposite Salvatore Riccardo Gueci of Italy.-Marlon Bernardino.-

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