NCFP forms committee to probe game-fix raps

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines yesterday formed a five-man committee to look into game-fixing allegations that have recently rocked the sport.

The committee, headed by lawyers Edmundo Legaspi and Raul Molitas, is expected to come out with a recommendation in two weeks. The other members are National Master Cesar Caturla, International Master Jayson Gonzales and international arbiter Willie Abalos.

The NCFP withheld the names of the accused chess players pending investigation of their case.

A possible six-month suspension awaits the players who will be proven guilty. They can also be made to perform some "community service" like conducting seminars in far-flung areas of the country as part of NCFP’s Chess Caravan.

The caravan was launched this year to promote the sport, discover, tap and train new talents that are potential members of the RP team. — Joey Villar