GM Joey Antonio draws Becker, in striking second place in Spain chess tourney

Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. drew with Rogerio Sperb Becker of Brazil to remain second place after seven rounds of the III Internacional de Ajedrez Cap Negret Chess Championship 50 and above category on Friday at the Hotel Cap Negret, Altea, Alicante, Spain.

"Draw is okay so that I can preserve my energy going to the last two rounds," the 63-year-old Antonio said, who finished first in the blitz competition of the 33rd FIDE World Senior Blitz Chess Championship held in Gallipoli, Italy last week.

Antonio tallied 5.5 points on account of four wins and three draws in seven outings.

Antonio’s participation was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), chaired by Alejandro “Al” Tengco; PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, Hotel Sogo, Sportsman Christopher "Dong" Cheng, Composite Technology Inc. President and General Manager Ricardo Padrinao, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita 'Menchie' Aguilar- Abalos.

Grandmaster Keith Arkell of England beat Pedro Maria Pastor Pons of Spain.

It was Arkell’s second win in a row after crushing Ricardo Mascarell Canet of Spain in the sixth round.

But Arkell saw his once mighty 1.0-point lead with 6.5 points.

Becker, on the other hand raise his total 5.0 points, the same output of Paulo Santanna of Brazil, Javier Unciti Juan of Spain and Candidate Master Daneri of Argentina,

In the eight round, GM Arkell versus Santanna on Board One while GM Antonio opposite CM Daneri on Board two.-DAS