Filipino Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. continued his winning streak in the US as he emerged over-all champion in the recently held 10th Annual Joseph Ileto Memorial Open Chess Championships at the Monterey Park, California.

Antonio bested compatriot Fide Master Joel "Cholo" Banawa in the fourth round then proceed to a draw with American international master Jack Peters in the fifth and final round to secure the over-all win.

The former University of Manila (UM) stand-out actually finished in a tie for top place with FIDE Master Takahashi Iwamoto with 4.5 points after five rounds of play.

However, Antonio edged the Japanese after tie break points was applied.

Antonio’s US stint is being supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., Philippines Sports Commission chairman William "Butch" Ramirez and Filipino boxing idol Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.

"Nagpapasalamat ulit ako kina NCFP president Butch Pichay, PSC chairman Butch Ramirez, Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao at sa ka team mate ko na si Ruben Ondangan na tumulong sa kampanya ko dito sa US Chess Circuit," said Antonio.

It was Antonio's seventh straight title in the US following his triumphs in the 2008 Super Blitz Open Chess Championships, the 2008 Motor City Open, the 17th North American Fide Invitational, the 2008 Los Angeles Open, The 8th Universal Annual Swiss Chess Open and the G/19.