1st Pisay Alumni chessfest draws strong field of contenders

CEBU, Philippines —  A tough battle is in the offing as two International Masters and a bunch of National Masters will vie for top honors in the 1st Pisay Alumni Open Chess Tournament slated on Saturday, August 19, at Robinsons Galleria Cebu. Pisay is the short term for Philippine Science High School (PSHS), one of the best high schools in the country.

IMs Rico Mascarinas and Kim Steven Yap lead the cast of title contenders together with NMs Rommel Ganzon, Arnolito Cadiz, Mario Mangubat, Leonardo Alidani, and Rogelio Enriquez.

Expected to give them a run for their money are the likes of Arena Grandmaster Michael Joseph Pagaran and veteran players

Carlos Moreno, Joel Pacuribot, Anthony Makinano, and Allerito Somosot to name a few.

Organized by US-based Cebuano Woman National Master Susan Itaas and her fellow Pisayian (Philippine International Alumni Foundation, Inc.) from PSHS Batch 1976 and Batch 1979 in partnership with the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) headed by its longtime president Engr. Jerry Maratas, the eight-round Swiss system competition offers over P40,000 in cash prize to the winners.   

The champion will pocket P10,000, while second to sixth placers will take home P5,000, P3,000, P2,000, P1,500, and P1,000, respectively.

Those who will make it to the top 25 will receive corresponding prizes. There will also be incentives for the top Cepcan (A and B), senior (60-above), female, and kiddie (10 and 14-under) entries.

Those who are interested to join have only until today (Friday, August 18) to register. Entry fee is pegged at P100 for kiddies/ladies, P150 for Cepcans/seniors, and P250 for regular players with free snacks.

For further details, one may contact Kevin Yap (0945-8559800), Jun Olis (0945-5216081), or FIDE Arbiter Linky Yap (0976-0426517). — EBV