Elite cast braces for Shell chess finals

MANILA, Philippines - Thirty-six players, including 12 female who emerged on top of their side while competing against their male counterparts, set out for the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships grand finals next month – all ready to outwit each other for top honors, prizes and bragging rights.

The elite field, which survived the gruelling six-leg nationwide eliminations, including two in talent-rich Mindanao, includes the country’s leading players and rising stars in the 20-and-under and 14-and-under age groups who are all raring to give their respective title bids one final push in the two-day finale set Oct. 11-12 at SM Megamall.