CEBU, Philippines - As expected, GM Wesley So hurdled his opening round assignment in the 1st Cebu City Charter Day Open Chess Championships yesterday at the E-Mall Activity Center.
So outsmarted Jeremy Bajo of the University of San Carlos.
GM Antonio Rogelio also got off to a strong start after beating Jonas Bajo. GM Darwin Laylo outsmarted John Barade, while IM Oliver Dimakiling defeated Lexle Baybay.
Over 200 participants are vying for the close to P300,000 in cash prize at stake with the champion in the open category bringing home P100,000.
The runner-up will pocket P50,000, while the third to fifth placers will get P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000, respectively.
The Rose Pharmacy Chess Club-organized event is sponsored by the Cebu City government. (FREEMAN)