P2.2 M chess tiff on despite GMs’ boycott

Instead of creating peace and harmony in the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, the intended boycott of the Philippine Chess Federation-organized P2.2-M Glutaphos Chess Grand Prix by its members might just not serve its purpose.

The leadership in the NCFP has been questioned by members who are reportedly bent on joining the Glutaphos-bankrolled event, tentatively set on July 21 at the Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod City, despite strict orders from NCFP officials not to do so.

NCFP president Eugenio Torre, however, said the boycott order is the only way to punish the PCF, its predecessor, for ignoring their plea of securing official recognition from them as mandated by the FIDE (International Chess Federation) as the country’s chess governing body.

"This is the only way for the NCFP to create harmony and peace in chess," said Torre in yesterday’s weekly PSA Forum sponsored by Batang Red Bull and Agfa Films at the Holiday Inn.

"We’ve tried our best to reach out for the PCF and Glutaphos but they keep on ignoring the NCFP so we have no choice but to ask our members to boycott the event or face suspension from us," said Torre.

Torre and fellow Grandmasters Rogelio Antonio Jr., the champion in last year’s edition of the country’s richest chess event, and Buenaventura Villamayor and some of the country’s top players have announced as early as three months ago their non-participation.

However, chess players said the three GMs' boycott could even be a blessing for the other participants since this will improve their chances for the top prize.

Glutaphos had announced that it will push through with the Grand Prix, which gives P1 million to the champion, as scheduled even without blessing from the NCFP, which has sought the help of the Department of Interior and Local Government to persuade the PCF to get sanction.

In a letter by DILG acting secretary Eduardo Soliman Jr. to PCF president Jesus Ingeniero dated July 5, Soliman threatened to revoke the department’s Circular 2001-24 released last March 13 endorsing all local government units to support the event if the PCF will not shed light on the matter. — Joey Villar