Manila, Aug. 4 -- International Master Michael Concio Jr. sustained his winning form Sunday to dominate the 16th Kamatyas Open chess tournament at the Vista Mall in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The pride of Dasmarinas City, Cavite defeated Francis Ching, Jeremy Marticio, Gerald Ferriol, National Master Bob Jones Liwagon, Grandmaster Darwin Laylo, National Master Giovanni Mejia and IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, to sweep the seven-round Swiss system event and secure the PHP30,000 champion's purse.

"I just persisted in training and study," Concio said when asked to comment on his title victory. He is mentored by FIDE Master Roel Abelgas.

FM Mark Jay Bacojo tallied 6.5 points to finish second and earn PHP10,000, while IM Chito Garma placed third with 6.0 ...