Finest chess players converge in Davao

DAVAO City -- More than 300 players are expected to arrive here today for the Chess 2000: National Cities and Municipalities Chess Team Championships which formally kicks off tomorrow at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Grandmaster Joey Antonio of Mandaluyong City heads a cast of star-studded players in the event hosted by the City Government of Davao in coordination with the Philippine Chess Federation and sanctioned by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Antonio, the country's top GM, will be backstopped by teammates international master Bong Villamayor and NM candidate Liolen Tubianosa who are both expected to provide the firepower.

Over-all tournament chairman City Administrator Nestor Ledesma said a total of P163,000 in cash and the prestigious Mayor Benjamin C. de Guzman championship trophy and medals are at stake in the event.

De Guzman and Ledesma, PCF chair Art Borjal will welcome the participants on tonight's cocktails.

This year's team champion wins P50,000 while individual board titlists pocket P5,000.