Makikipagpigaan ng utak si 13-time Philippine Open champion Grandmaster Rogelio ‘Joey’ Madrigal Antonio, Jr. sa iba’t ibang Pinoy chesser sa itatampok na ‘1 vs 25 Abante Chess Challenge’ sa Sabado, Oktubre 12, sa Banahaw covered court sa Banahaw Street, Barangay Kaunlaran, Cubao, Quezon City.
Makakatagisan ng talino ni Antonio ang 25 survivor/winners matapos ang elimination round na magsisimula dakong alas-8 ng umaga sa event na magkatuwang na sinuportahan nina Mr. Rey Marfil at Mr. Gil Cabacungan, Jr., sa pakikipagtulungan nina Barangay Kaunlaran chairman Christopher “Dong” Cheng at Councilor Irene Belmonte.
Ang 57-year-old na si Antonio ay 2017 Italy World Senior vice champion, 2005 Most Outstanding Quezon City resident, dating Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Athlete of the Year at kauna-unahang Filipino na nag-qualify sa World Cup.
Si Antonio ang country’s representative sa nalalapit na 2019 FIDE World Senior Championship na iinog sa Nobyembre 11-24 sa Bucharest, Romania.
Sina Fide Master Nelson “Elo” Mariano III at National Arbiter Byron Villar ang magsisilbing chess commentator kasama sina National Master Romeo Alcodia at Genghis Imperial.
Isasantabi muna nina University of Makati coach Clark Dela Torre at De Paz Chess Center top honcho/coach Deorico Portillo De Paz Jr. ang kanilang busy schedule para manguna sa talent-laden cast ng woodpushers na sasabak sa 1-day free registration chessfest.
Masisilayan din sina reigning Estavillo kiddy champion Ariel Caluscusao Santander, Ross Simeon (PWD), Willy Pongse (retiree), Norman Ruel Fajardo (taho vendor), Jerome Espi (PWD), Jefrey Estandian (driver), Jio Donato (student), Joey Straight (retiree), Edmund Ruiz (driver), Billy Tesoro (baker), Oscar Tabanao (realtor), Imo Fajardo (barker), Jun Cernado (LGU) Tomas Gatpo Jr. (retiree), Ronald Straight (LGU), Andrew Elpedes (driver), Ronald Straight (LGU) at Leonard Cabreros (realtor). (elech dawa)