Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. kept the Philippines alive, posting a hard-earned win over Ronald Koehler of Germany to land in the second spot after the fourth round of the III Internacional de Ajedrez Cap Negret Chess Championship in the 50 and above category on Tuesday at the Hotel Cap Negret, Altea, Alicante, Spain.
Antonio outwitted Koehler using the white pieces to move into second place with 3.5 points, half point behind with solo leader Grandmaster Keith Arkell of England who posted his fourth straight win after beating FIDE Master Ryan Joseph of Ireland handling the white pieces.
"I hope I can sustain the momentum," said the 63-year-old Antonio, who is fresh from winning the 33rd FIDE World Senior Blitz Chess Championships held in Gallipoli, Italy.
Antonio’s participation was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), chaired by Alejandro “Al” Tengco; PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, Hotel Sogo, Sportsman Christopher "Dong" Cheng, Composite Technology Inc. President and General Manager Ricardo Padrinao, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita 'Menchie' Aguilar- Abalos.
Earlier, Antonio toppled Luis Gutierrez Abarrategui of Spain in the first round, halved the point with Paulo Santanna of Brazil in the second round then trounced Bo-Erik Helen of Finland in the third round.
Arkell on the other hand, defeated Alberto Marin Barrena of Spain, Javier Unciti Juan of Spain and Rogerio Sperb Becker of Brazil, respectively.
Antonio will handle the white pieces against Arkell in Round 5 for the battle of the solo leadership board.-Marlon Bernardino-
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