PCMA to stage inaugural chessfest

The P77,000 inaugural tournament of the Philippine Chess Masters Association (PCMA) reels off 9 a.m. tomorrow at the Philippine Sports Commission canteen, Admin. building, RMSC, Manila. The seven-round Swiss system active chess tournament is sponsored by the Philippine Chess Society.

The event marks the 77th birthday of the country’s first national master, Florencio Campomanes, honorary president of the World Chess Federation (FIDE).

A total of P77,000 in cash prizes is sponsored by the Philippine Chess Society, headed by president Rod Suaco, and the new management of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines with NCFP executive director Casto Abundo.

The tournament is open to members of the PCMA, led by lawyer NM Quirino Sagario.

Grandmasters Joey Antonio and Bong Villamayor head the competing field that includes International Masters Chito Garma, Ronald Dableo, Nelson Mariano II, Petronio Roca, Richard Bitoon and Barlo Nadera.

Time control is 20 minutes per player for the whole game with increment of 30 seconds per move using digital clocks. Registration starts 8:30 a.m. For inquiries, call up PCMA vice president Chito Garma at 0917-9531908.

An organizational meeting of the PCMA will be held during the event to induct the newly-elected officers. There are around 40 active chess masters in Manila.

A top prize of P20,000 awaits the winner with P15,000 for the runner-up and P10,000 for the third