Leading the tournament opening rites are Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation’s corporate affairs coordinator for communications Karen Yaptinchay.
At stake in the seven-round Swiss system tournament are a combined purse of P27,000, medals and the honor to represent the region in the national finals.
Pilipinas Shell chess officials expressed their elation over the tremendous support and record-setting participation given by local schools and community-based chess clubs for the 10-year old tournament.
The yearly tournament has turned up six international masters, seven women international masters, over two dozens FIDE, national and women national masters, including a growing pool of emerging talents fielded in chess competitions and festivals abroad.