National age group chess on in Pangasinan

MANILA, Philippines - The National Age-Group chess championships get under way today at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Grandmaster Wesley So heads the list of guests gracing the opening ceremonies at 10 a.m.

Also expected to attend are National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and Gov. Amado Espino Jr.

Participants started to arrive yesterday, according to project coordinator Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.

Competititons are for under-18, under-16, under-14, under-12, under-10 and under-8 boys and girls.

The winners will receive cash prizes and represent the Philippines in the 2011 Asian Youth Championships set May 14-22 in Subic.

The nine-round event is organized by NCFP and the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence (PACE) in cooperation with the provincial government of Pangasinan and the Pangasinan Chess Federation.