All set for Deep Blue Open chessfest

CEBU, Philippines - The cream of the crop in Cebu chess braces for a tough challenge against top-rated pawnpushers all over the country especially in the Vis-Min region in the 1st Cebu Deep Blue Christmas Chess Open slated on December 21-23 at the Deep Blue 'D Woodpusher’s Club at the second level of SM City-Cebu.

A total of P43,800 in cash prizes are available to the winners of the three-day tilt sponsored by Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia in association with Atty. Mariano Tan, Carlos Tan, Jongjong Melendez, Atty. Ben Harayo, Engr. Jhon Capital, Rene Bacolod, Engr. Ehti Dominguito, Kitting Moro, Kobe Roleda, Nestor Encallado and Atty. Tomas Riveral of OPASCOR.

The champion will take home P15,000 plus a limited edition Zoo York wrist watch worth P25,000 courtesy of Deep Blue 'D Woodpusher's Club owners Molit and Maricris Hortelano. The first runner-up will pocket P8,000, the losing semifinalists will get P3, 000 each, while the quarterfinalists will receive P1, 500 each.

Those who will advance to the top 16 are assured of P500, while those who will make the final 32 cut will get P300.

Hipulan said with the big bounty at stake, some of Phl's chess masters are expected to join the charity event, proceeds of which will be used to give bundles of joy to the less fortunate ones during this holiday season.

“As of now, there are already 50 chess masters who have confirmed their participation including Cebuano GMs  (Enrico) Ikoy Sevillano and Richard Bitoon and IM Kim Yap,” said Hipulan.

Top players from Tacloban, Ormoc, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Tagbilaran are also expected to take part in the tournament that will follow a 5-round Swiss system format in stage 1.

The top 32 entries will then advance into the knockout stage 2, which the organizers are also calling the prize money circle.

Entry fee is pegged at P300. Interested parties have only until December 21 to register. For further details, one may call international arbiter Marvin Ruelan at 0926-7352951. (FREEMAN)