Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Kazakhstan Chess Federation vice president Biket Zharokov make the ceremonial moves during the 12th Asian Seniors Chess Championships at the Knights Templar Hotel in Tagaytay City on Sunday. Also in photo are Asian Chess Federation executive director Toti Abundo, GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. and representatives of the other participating countries.
Antonio, Bagamasbad lead Asian chess winners
TAGAYTAY City — Top seed GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. made short work of Ferdinand Olivares while PSA “Chess Player of the Year” awardee Efren Bagamasbad outduelled AFM Biket Zharokov of Kazakhstan to lead the march of the favorites at the start of the 12th Asian Seniors Chess Championships at the Knights Templar Hotel here Sunday.
Antonio, the highest-rated player in the tournament with an ELO of 2393, essayed a convincing 32-move victory with the white pieces over the lower-rated Olivares in the 50+ category.
Bagamasbad, who also ruled the 65+ class in the 2022 edition held in New Zealand, outsteadied Zharokov in 37 moves.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol’ Tolentino and Asian Chess Federation executive director Toti Abundo graced the colorful opening ceremony in the nine-round tournament being held in this popular holiday city noted for its cool climate and breathtaking view of the Taal Lake.
Tolentino also made the ceremonial moves along with Zharokov, also the vice president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.
Other notable winners in the 50+ category. are No. 2 seed FM Rudin Hamdani of Indonesia, who humbled CM Joseph Ebenezer of India; No. 3 IM Enrique Paciencia, who demolished FM Ahmad Ismail of Malaysia; No. 4 IM Chito Garma, who routed Galymzhan Ibrayev of Kazakhstan; and No. 5 IM Angelo Young, who outlasted Danilo Reyes.
FM Edgardo Galrma and Ricky Navalta outplayed female players Irina Bulanova and Yalena Gaichenya of Kazakhstan, respectively.
In the 65+ division, top seed Randolph Schain of Cambodia bested IM Aitkazy Baimurzin of Kazakhstan, Mario Mangubat beat Tuleubek Demezhanov and Joselito Dormitorio clobbered Arturo Tatunay.
The second and third rounds will be held Monday.
