Thirteen-time Philippine Open Chess Champion Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. is setting his sights on a world title as he competes in the 2026 FIDE World Senior Chess Championships (50+ and 65+) slated for November 2-15, 2026 in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia.
Antonio, the pride of Quezon City, one of the Philippines' most enduring and decorated chess masters, delivered five medals in the 24th ASEAN+ Age-Group Chess Championships held at the Our Tampines Hub in Singapore , from August 7 -17, 2026.
Antonio won three golds in Standard Team, Blitz Individual, and Blitz Team (with GM Jayson Gonzales and International Master Angelo Young) and snared two silvers in Standard Individual and Rapid Team (with Gonzales and National Master Edmundo Gatus).
"I am happy to bring home medals. It is a great honor to once again represent and fight for the Philippine flag," said Antonio.
The Singapore tournament was part of Antonio's preparation for the bigger challenge in Serbia.
"I expect tougher opponents, so I really need to train harder. I hope that my campaign in Serbia will be successful, just like what I did in Singapore," said the 64-year-old Antonio, who is determined to improve on his runner-up finish at the 2017 edition (Standard event) held in Acqui Terme, Italy.
During the 2025 FIDE World Senior Chess Championships in Gallipoli, Italy, Antonio won the gold medal in the combined 50 and 65 over category of the Blitz event.
Another Filipino entry, FIDE Master Mario Mangubat of Minglanilla, Cebu won the silver medal.
Before the 2026 FIDE World Senior Chess Championships in Serbia, Antonio was also playing in the International Chess Tournament XXXIV Erkel Ferenc Memorial scheduled, from October 24-30,2026 at Erkel Ferenc Highschool in Gyula, Hungary.
Joining Antonio in Hungary are Mangubat, IM Angelo Young, IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad, NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. and Ederwin Estavillo.
Antonio's European campaign is being supported by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and Quezon City Sports Development Head Mr. Jun Gayoso. (Marlon Bernardino)
In photo:
The Philippine chess team visits GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera on Wednesday at the Games and Amusement Board Makati Office.
NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera, IM Angelo Young and FM Mario Mangubat.
Comments
Share your thoughts on the above article by Marlon Bernardino.