GMA Cup big boost to Filipino chessers

The inaugural President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup Open and Chess Challenge International Championship will not only be a clash of the country’s top masters against some world’s top rated players but also a venue for the other local bets where they can hone their talent and skills.

NCFP (National Chess Federation of the Phils.) president Rep. Prospero Pichay yesterday said that the $30,000 event, slated Nov. 17-23 at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Parañaque, will not only feature top players from China, Russia, the United States, Indonesia, Israel and Uzbekistan. It will also serve as an exposure for the RP chessers who could not play in top-caliber tournaments abroad.

"By bringing in foreign GMs here, we are giving our players, especially the younger ones, the exposure they need and the chance to play with rated players," said Pichay during the press conference at Duty Free.

In fact, the nine-round Swiss system tournament, sponsored by Duty Free Phils., serves as a fitting tuneup for IMs Darwin Laylo and Ronald Dableo and Jedara Docena, who are now in the thick of preparations for their stint in the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar next month.

Zhang Pengxiang, toting an Elo rating of 2636, is joining fellow Chinese GMs Bu Xiangzhi, Wang Yue, Ye Jiangchuan, Ni Hua and Zhang Zhong, and IMs Wang Rui, Zhou Weigi and Wang Li in the FIDE-sanctioned tournament, which stakes $6,000 to the champion.

Others who graced the press launch were NCFP secretary-general and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino and Duty Free Phils. general manager Michael Kho.

Veteran GMs Utut Adianto and Edhi Handoko banner Indonesia’s bid while the US will be led by GMs Alexander Onishuk and Varushan Akobian. Also in the fold are Russian GM Vladimir Belov, IM Tahir Vakhidov of Uzbekistan and Victor Michalevski of Israel.

GMs Mark Paragua, Eugene Torre, Rogelio Antonio Jr., Nelson Mariano II and Bong Villamayor spearhead the hosts’ bid along with IMs Oliver Dimakiling, Richard Bitoon, Idelfonso Datu, Yves Ranola, Oliver Barbosa, Wesley So, Rolando Nolte, John Paul Gomez, Jayson Gonzales, Chito Garma and Petronio Roca and female players Shercila Cua, Beverly Mendoza, Cristine Rose Mariano and Catherine Pereña.

The runner-up will get $4,000 while the third placer will get $3,000. Cash prizes will also be given to the fourth to 15th placers while the top three Filipino players, the top three women and the top three junior participants will also receive cash prizes.

For details, contact tournament director Willie Abalos at 0920-4871453 or log on to www.ncfphilippines.org.