Muslim-Christian Friendship chessfest set this weekend

CEBU, Philippines – The Association of Cebu Muslim Professionals and Entrepreneurs, Inc. in partnership with the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association will stage the first chess event of the year billed as the '1st Cebu Muslim-Christian Friendship Open Tournament' on January 9-10 at the second floor of Colonnade Mall along Colon Street, Cebu City.

"Sinulog is fast forthcoming, and we think of something we can contribute to the city and the people of Cebu that is why we are coming up with this chess event," said ACMEP President Datu Abubacar G. Gunang during the event's formal launching yesterday. " We endeavor to foster unity and camaraderie among our Cebuano brothers and this is one way to show that Muslims and Christians in Cebu really have a good relationship with each other."

Over P20,000 in cash prize will be given away to the top performers of the two-day tilt following a 7-round Swiss system format.

Aside from plaques of recognition, the champion will go home P8,000 richer, while the second to fourth placers will pocket P4,000, P2,000 and P1,000, respectively.

The fifth to 10th will receive a consolation prize of P250.

The top three Muslim players will get P500 each, while the top three kiddies and ladies will earn P1,000, P600 and P400.

"We are including the ladies and kiddies because we want to encourage the youth to indulge in this kind of sport. Hopefully, we will make it a yearly event," said Guang.

Registration fee is pegged at P100 for ladies and kiddies and P250 for regular entries.

For further information, interested parties may contact AMA's Halal Fast Foods at 0939-9057249, 0920-6124088 and 0926-7352951 or FIDE Arbiter Marvin Ruelan at 0926-7352951.— EBV (FREEMAN)