Philippines, 15 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Pinoy chessers off to hot start in Italy World Senior Chess Championships


PhilBoxing.com


Gallipoli, Italy---Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. and FIDE Master Mario Mangubat led the rampaging start of Filipino chess players in the 2025 FIDE World Senior Chess Championships in Gallipoli, Italy on Tuesday.

The 19th-seeded Antonio (Elo 2358) defeated 96th seed Paulo Santanna (Elo 2013) of Brazil while the 105th-seeded Mangubat (Elo 2003) toppled 222nd seed Undriadi Benggawan (Elo 1656) of Canada.

However, another Filipino entry International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad was beaten by 7th seed Grandmaster Nikolay A. Legky (Elo 2325) of France.

The Filipinos trip is supported by PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio, PSC commissioner Ed Hayco, PSC commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo, NCFP Chairman/President Prospero 'Butch' Pichay Jr., NCFP CEO/Executive Director Jayson Gonzales, GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, PAGCOR Chairman/CEO Alejandro Tengco, Hotel Sogo Corporate Marketing Manager Maria Suzette Geminiano, PEZA Director General Tesoro Panga , Sportsman Christopher "Dong" Cheng and Rezostar Corporation Company President Travis Vincent Chua.

The 63-year-old Quezon City resident Antonio, who is aiming to surpass his runner-up finish in the 50+category during the 2017 edition in Acqui Terme, Italy will face 59th seed Rogelio Superb Becker (Elo 2152) of Brazil in the second round, who brought down 136th seed Raffaele Riga (Elo 1801) of Italy.

"I hope to do well in this event," said the 13-time Philippine Open Champion Antonio.

In the second round of the 65 over category, the 66-year-old Minglanilla, Cebu ace Mangubat will face FIDE Master Markku I.O. Henttinen (Elo 2197) of Finland while the 69-year-old Quezon City pride Bagamasbad will meet Eero Patola (Elo 1850) of Finland.

Grandmaster Kiril Georgiev (Elo 2526) of Georgia, the tournament top seed in the 50+ category won his first round match against Candidate Master Josse Mark (Elo 2107) of England while Grandmaster Zurab Sturua (Elo 2491) of Georgia, top pick in the 65 over category subdued Jean-Louis Pivard (Elo 1984) of France.-Marlon Bernardino-


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Jamaine Ortiz Aims to Derail Keyshawn Davis’ Undefeated Streak at Madison Square Garden
    , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • “No bad blood from me”- Good friends become better rivals – Clarke is ready for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Itauma suffers injury; Magnificent 7 rescheduled to March 28
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Top Super Lightweights Bryan Flores & Starling Castillo Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
    , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Harden surpasses Shaquille O'Neal's to become the ninth all-time leading scorer in NBA history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • “It’s time, LFG” - Holly McMath Trilogy for WBC Title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • IBA President Kremlev encourages sporting organisations to protect women’s sport following Trump’s statement on Imane Khelif
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • REYES, STRICKLAND, BUSTAMANTE & SOUQUET SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AT WNT LEGENDS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • Pumicpic fights Korean in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • No. 1 rated WBA Super Flyweight contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez remains patient and Looks forward to a 2026 World title shot
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • Ironman 70.3 Davao on March 22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 12 JANUARY 2026: Dalton Smith Halts Subriel Matias in 5; Kabayel Stops Knyba in 3
    By Eric Armit, , Mon, 12 Jan 2026
  • Chess Players Association of Negros Occidental, Incorporated (CPANOI) – 2026 Opening Event
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 12 Jan 2026
  • STUNNING SMITH DESTROYS MATIAS TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION
    , Sun, 11 Jan 2026
  • Former WBC champ Bazooka Limón hospitalized in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 11 Jan 2026
  • Zuffa Boxing set to unveil its maiden card on January 23 in Las Vegas
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • ‘I’ve got an army and army’s move in numbers’ Owen Corrigan returns for Light Heavyweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • Pasalamat Festival Chess Tour 2026 to Push Through
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS & TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO PRESENT CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 - VERONA, NY
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • ELIF TURHAN SIGNS NEW MULTI-FIGHT DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING – FIRST IBF WORLD TITLE DEFENCE DATE SET FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • Driving Philippine Tennis Forward: Jean Henri Lhuillier Champions the 2026 Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Tour
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • ‘I’m ready to make some noise’ Billy Quinncroft returns for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Dableo and Laylo's Team to Compete in Bulacan
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Sanman Boxing present Yeerken vs. Carcedo WBA Asia South Title Clash in General Santos City on Feb 9
    , Fri, 09 Jan 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.