Romeo Braceros, Jr.

On September 18, Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. of Quezon City and Fide Master Nelson Villanueva of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, made the country proud once again with a strong 1-2 finish in the MRSM Tun Mustapha Chess Championship 2022 (Open), which was held at the MRSM Tun Mustapha Tawau in Sabah, Malaysia.

Antonio overcame Singaporean International Master Chan Peng Kong in the ninth and final round to end with 7.5 points from six victories and three draws in the nine-round Swiss System event, matching Villanueva's output after drawing with Indonesian Kamalsyah Muhammad.

By greater tie-breakers, Antonio clinched the title, the top purse of 3,500 RM (Malaysian ringgit), trophy, and the certificate. In comparison, Villanueva pocketed the runner-up purse of 2,500 RM (Malaysian ringgit), award, and certification in the contest that attracted 92 woodpushers.

GM Antonio defeated Yaakub Nov Genevia Pslam of Malaysia in the first round, Ladimal of Malaysia in the second round, Ahmad Md Siraj Munir of Brunei in the third round, Wising Abdul Sahim of Malaysia in the fourth round, and Fide Master Yee Soon Wei of Brunei in the fifth round on his way to the title.

He shared points with FM Villanueva in the sixth round, IM Andyka Pitra of Indonesia in the seventh round, and Kamalsyah Muhammad of Indonesia in the eighth round before defeating IM Chan in the final game.

Antonio and Villanueva's triumph bolstered national morale, according to National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chairman/President Rep. Prospero "Butch" Arreza Jr.

Once again, our flag has been raised in this foreign land after knowing that our Filipino kababayan Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. of Quezon City and Fide Master Nelson Villanueva of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental made the country proud anew after a decisive 1-2 finish in Sabah, Malaysia International Chess Tournament, "Pihay said.