CCSC vows big surprise for Guinness record bid in chess

CEBU, Philippines - A one-of-a-kind ceremonial opening move will highlight Cebu’s attempt of breaking the Guinness record for the world's largest chess tournament on January 21-22 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

 Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) chairman Edward Hayco said that the opening ceremonies will be a great surprise not only to Cebu but to the world as well.

 “We will have a very unique and creative ceremonial opening move on that day. It’s going to be a big surprise for the Cebuanos and the rest of the world," said Hayco.

One of those in store for the spectators is the performance by the members of Dancesport-Team Cebu City, who will show off unique chess movements as the 32 dancers will represent chess pieces.

 As of the latest count, the number of participants already rose to 45,000 over the past two months of continuous classroom and school-wide competitions.

 The organizers though are expecting around 3,000 players who will be see action at the huge bleachers of CCSC during the finals.

After successfully setting a record for the world’s largest dance class, the Queen City of the South hopes to eclipse the record set by Russia when it gathered 1, 214 players in an event organized by Eugenie Kuznitsov on June 2, 2007 at the Central City Park in Krasnoyarsk.

“Unofficially, we may have broken the record but the more serious purpose why we made this is to let the kids learn to play chess. This is far way more economical compared to other more expensive activities like computer games and other less beneficial things,” Hayco said.

Cebu’s pride GM Joseph Sanchez will grace the event along with other chess masters.

 To spice up the affair, there will be some sidelights such as the selection for best chess mascot and most unique chess board.

For inquiries regarding the contest, one may keep in touch with Gayle at 0923-1164422.  (FREEMAN)