International Master Michael Concio Jr. topped the Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Individual Rapid Chess Tournament held at the Open Kitchen Food Hall, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Street in Mandaluyong City on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
The chess player from Dasmarinas City finished with 6.5 points on account of six wins and one draw, the same output as International Master Daniel Quizon, also of Dasmarinas City, and International Master Rolando Nolte of Quezon City.
Concio, however, was proclaimed champion due to his superior tie-break points, relegating Quizon to second place and Nolte to third place.
The three, however, equally divided the P20,000 combined cash prize for first to third places.
"I am very happy with my victory. I would like to thank Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, Mayor Jenny Barzaga and national coach FM Roel Abelgas for supporting my participation in this tough seven rounds competition," said Concio.
"I would also like to thank the family of the late GM Rosendo Balinas Jr. and the Open Kitchen Food Hall for supporting the grassroots chess development in the Philippines."
Finishing with 6.0 points in the 10 minutes plus 5 seconds increment tournament that drew 223 participants were National Master Romeo Alcodia of Quezon City, Alexis Emil Maribao of General Trias City, International Master Angelo Young of Manila, AGM Voltaire Marc Paraguya of General Trias City and Woman National Master Daren dela Cruz of Silang City.
Rounding out to the top 15 were FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo of Dasmarinas City, International Master Barlo Nadera of Malabon City, Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., Benjie Bercadez, Christian Mendoza of Antipolo City, National Master Phil Martin Casiguran of Dasmarinas City, National Master Jasper Faeldonia of Manila, International Master Ronald Bancod of Quezon City, FIDE Master Adrian Ros Pacis of Mandaluyong City and FIDE Master Noel dela Cruz of Makati City.
The tournament was held to commemorate the birth and death anniversary of the late Filipino grandmaster.
Earlier, GM Antonio, Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez, Jessie Villasin and Mimi Casas performed the ceremonial moves that opened the tournament.
Former NCFP executive director Red Dumuk, NCFP director Martin "Binky" Gaticales and Engr. Antonio Carreon Balinas, meanwhile, graced the closing and awarding ceremonies of this one-day tournament sponsored by the family of the late GM Balinas and supported by NCFP director Engr. Rey Urbiztondo, Rising Chess Unlimited Developmental Program, Open Kitchen Food Hall, Mr. Abraham Tecson and Bayanihan Chess Club legal counsel Atty. Rodolfo Enrique "Rudy" Rivera.