Defensor steps into chess row

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Mat Defensor yesterday announced that he has taken over as project director for the National Age-Group, National Junior and National Championships.

Defensor, in effect, has recalled his appointment of Rod Suaco, who has begged off on doctor’s order.

The formal announcement finally cleared the confusion over who is in charge in the holding of the national events.

Defensor said the National Age-Group chess championships will be held as scheduled on May 17-21 and the National Juniors on May 24-28 both at the fifth floor multipurpose hall, Marketplace in Mandaluyong.

The event will serve as a selection tournament for members of the national team seeing action in the World Youth Games late this year in Greece.

Defensor, who is leading in the congressional race in the third district of Quezon City, said any other event using the word national is illegal.

"All NCFP releases should emanate from my office at Tempus II Bldg at Teacher’s Village," ordered Defensor. "There is no other NCFP office that is authorized to issue press releases."

NCFP executive-director Casto Abundo, whom Defensor appointed early this year, had been issuing unauthorized releases that have resulted in confusion.

Defensor warned that any unauthorized press releases would be dealt with in accordance with the NCFP by-laws.

The National Age-Group Championships will be handled by tournament director Willy Abalos and chief arbiter Gene Poliarco.

Entries are pouring in at the NCFP office two days before the tournament.

For details, call NCFP at tel.no. (02) 4351114 or tournament director National arbiter Willie Abalos at mobile no.(0918)652-3265.