"We know it’s difficult that is why I tip my hat off to my fellow GMs Antonio and Villamayor. If it is going to be for the good chess we don’t mind the extra work," ani Torre, pangulo ng organizing National Chess Federation of the Philippines kahapon sa PSA Forum sa Holiday Inn Manila.
Sinabi naman ni Antonio na hindi siya nagpapabaya sa kanyang buildup sa kabila ng pagiging vice president for internal affairs ng NCFP.
Sumang-ayon din si Villamayor, NCFP vp for external affair at kasalukuyang highest rated Filipino chessers ng FIDE sa sinabi ni Antonio at nagpahayag ito ng "I am also trying to put in my time for my National Open despite my duties as an NCFP officer."
Sinabi rin ng tatlong manlalaro na umaaasa sila ng mahigpit na laban sa chessfest na ito na may nakalaang P120,000 sa men’s champion at P50,000 naman sa women’s titlist.
Ang naturang event ay magsisilbi ring qualifying tournament para sa Asian Zonals na nakatakdang magbukas sa Abril 23. Ang top five players sa men’s at women’s division at matapos ang National Open saka pa lamang bubuo ng Asian Zonals team.