NCFP’s age-group chess tiff legitimate — Defensor

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Mat Defensor yesterday said the National Age-Group Chess Championships set May 17-21 at the Marketplace in Mandaluyong is the official selection tournament for the country’s representatives to the World Youth Games in Athens, Greece.

"The winners in each of the 10 age-group divisions will earn the right to represent the Philippines in the annual world tournament late this year," said Defensor. "As the country’s representatives, they are entitled to free accommodation in the tournament."

Following Grandmaster Eugene Torre’s initiative, the NCFP has sent two 10-member contingents to the 2001 and 2003 World Youth Games.

Defensor had taken an active role in the organization of the tournament in the absence of project director Rod Suaco who had to beg off on doctors’ orders. He appointed Willy Abalos as tournament director and Gene Poliarco as international arbiter.

Defensor declared that the May 17-21 event is the only age-group tournament sanctioned by the NCFP.