Chinese GMs due for GMA Cup

Thirteen highly rated Chinese players, led by GM Ni Hua and Li Chao, have already confirmed their participation in the second President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Cup International Open chess championship unfolding tomorrow at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Parañaque City.

Ni, ranked fifth in China with an Elo of 2641, and Li, rated ninth with Elo 2548, head the Chinese challenge in the nine-round tournament held in honor of President Arroyo for the second straight year.

Last year, GM Zhang Pengxiang of China topped the tournament.

“Zhang and several other highly rated Chinese players are not around this time due to the World Chess Cup in Russia. But the foreign players competing are as strong and talented,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero Pichay Jr.

The former Surigao del Sur representative and several top sports officials are expected to grace the opening ceremony set at 3 p.m.

Games begin at 3 p.m.

At stake in the $40,000 tournament is the top $6,000 purse. The runner-up will receive $5,000 and the third placer will pocket $4,000.  

Also in the roster are GM LI Shilong, WGM Wang Yu, WGM Zhang Jilin, WGM Gu Xiaobing, WIM Huang Xian, WIM Kuang Yihui, Wu Xibin, Zhou Weiqi, Yu Lie, Shen Shiyuan and Xu Tong.

The country’s top players, led by GMs Rogelio Antonio Jr., Eugene Torre and Mark Paragua and GM-candidates Wesley So, Oliver Dimakiling, Jayson Gonzales and Ronald Dableo banner the RP bid in the weeklong tournament.