Penang: Filipino Grandmaster Rogelio Antonio Jr. amassed eight medals Friday at the 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Penang, Malaysia. Competing in the men's 50+ category, he won four golds (Standard individual and team, Rapid individual and Blitz team) and two silvers (Standard individual and Blitz individual) in the tournament organized by the ASEAN Chess Confederation, Malaysian Chess Federation, and Penang Chess Association.

According to Philippines News Agency, Antonio, a 13-time national champion, also participated in the pre-SEA Games event held from July 4-8, securing two bronze medals. Despite his age and the pressure of competition, Antonio expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, "I have nothing to prove. I love representing our country and I'm happy to bring home medals."

Meanwhile, the Philippine U12 team, consisting of WNM Millery Gen Subia of Cabanatuan City, WNM Mary Janelle Tan of Cagayan de Oro City, and Thea Grace Clar of Iloilo City, achieved notable success by capturing two silver medals (Blitz and Rapid) and one bronze (Standard) in their respective categories.

In the pre-SEA Games competition, GM Jayson Gonzales finished second, trailing FM Jarred Neubronner of Singapore in the individual category. Indonesia emerged victorious in the team category with 18.0 points, followed by Singapore (17.5 points) and Malaysia (13.0 points). The Philippines team, comprising Gonzales, IM Angelo Young, NM Edmundo Gatus, NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., and WNM Enrica Armenta, secured the fourth position with 11 points.