Cebuano chessers gun for GM, IM norms

CEBU, Philippines - Two Cebuano chess masters will not be spending the Holidays on home soil as they seek for GM and IM norms by participating in the two international open tournaments in Singapore and Vietnam.

IM Kim Steven Yap (with an Elo ratings of 2410) and NM Merben Roque (with an Elo ratings of 2305), are set to leave Cebu today for the twin major tilts.

Yap hopes to bolster his ranking to further gain a GM norm, while Roque tries to nail his first IM norm.

 “I think I have a big chance in these two tournaments since we prepared hard and went through a lot of trainings,” said Yap.

The senior AB English student of the University of Cebu (UC) opted not to celebrate the two special seasons since he grabbed the opportunity he needed to fulfill his dreams to become a GM.

If he will complete all the required three norms, the 22-year-old Yap will be the youngest Cebuano GM.

Yap is grateful for the full support accorded to him by Rose Pharmacy, Inc., Atty. Augusto Go of UC and to the Cebu City Sports Commission.

The Singapore event is slated on December 25-30, while the Vietnam joust is scheduled on January 2-8, 2011.

Both players will return to Cebu in time for the Rose Pharmacy Classic Chess King on January 15-17. (FREEMAN)