Cebu's biggest chess tourney on today

CEBU, Philippines - The cream of the crop in Philippine chess led by GM Wesley So are all set for battle in the 1st Cebu City Charter Day Open Chess Championships today at the E-Mall Activity Center.

Tournament director Roger Abella said this is the biggest local tournament in the Queen City of the South.

“This is the biggest local tournament ever made. With Wesley So playing, it soars even higher in its hugeness and prestige. This is unprecedented actually. If this will be made into an annual event, this will be looked forward to by the grandmasters in the country,” said Abella.

Along with So are GM Joey Antonio, Darwin Laylo and John Paul Gomez.

IMs Oliver Dimakiling, Richard Bitoon and Barlo Nadera also make up the list of strong title contenders.

The organizers are expecting over 200 participants who will vie for the close to P300,000 in cash prize, with the champion in the open category bringing home P100,000. Separate bounty will be handed out to the top performers in the ladies and kiddies divisions, which will be played at the Mabolo Parish Church plaza.

The runner-up will pocket P50,000, while the third to fifth placers will receive P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000, respectively. (FREEMAN)