MANILA — Thirteen-time Philippine Open champion Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. is set to compete in the Asean Seniors Chess Championships, scheduled from August 7 to 17, 2026, in Singapore.
"I would like to thank the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Cong. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. , NCFP CEO/Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick "Pato" Gregorio for supporting me to this tournament," Antonio said. “I'm hoping to earn some ELO rating points.”
He also extended his gratitude to Mr. Ignatius Leong for organising both the ASEAN Seniors Chess Championships and the ASEAN Age Group Chess Championships.
The 64-year-old grandmaster captured 4 gold medals, 1 silver medal, and 3 bronze medals in last year's edition in Penang, Malaysia, hosted by Atty. See Swee Sie, emerging as the most bemedaled Filipino chess player in the competition with his impressive haul of eight medals.
Antonio continued to bring pride to the country as he claimed another championship in the international chess scene.
Antonio, known in the chess community as the “Iron Man” for his longevity and resiliency, topped the blitz event of the 33rd FIDE World Senior Chess Championship held at the Grand Hotel Costa Brada in Gallipoli, Italy last October 20 to November 2, 2025.
The Singapore chess circuit campaign is a part of the preparation of Antonio who is scheduled to represent the country in the FIDE World Senior Chess Championships on November 2 to 15, 2026 in Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia.
Antonio placed second in the 27th World Seniors Chess Championships (Standard event) in Acqui Termi Italy held from November 7 to 18, 2017. (Marlon Bernardino)
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