Aurora province hosts national open rapid chess February 14-15

MANILA, Philippines - The provincial government of Aurora, in coordination with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, is holding the Gov. Bella Flor Angara-Castillo Cup National Open Rapid Chess Championship Feb. 14-15 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Capitol Bldg., Baler, Aurora.

 The two-day rapid tournament, open to all NCFP members in good standing, is expected to attract top rated players not only from Manila but also from Aurora and other provinces.

It will be played under the Swiss System format, with each player given 25 minutes to finish the game. The event kicks off at 10 a.m.

Up for grabs is a total cash pot of P 127,000. The winner pockets P 30,000, second placer P 20,000, third P10,000, fourth P8,000, fifth P6,000, sixth P4,000, seventh P3,000, eighth P2,500, ninth P2,000, 10th P1,500 and 11th to 20th place P1,000 each.

Special prizes for top kiddies (14 years and below) are P5,000 for the champion, P3,000 for second, P2,000 for third, P1,500 fourth, P1,000 fifth and P500 each for sixth-10th.

 The top three women, top Aurora province player and top Aurora province kiddie shall receive P2,000, P1,500 and P1,000, respectively.

Grandmasters Mark Paragua, fresh from capturing the Gov. Umali Cup title, Buenaventura Villamayor, Darwin Laylo, Jayson Gonzales and John Paul Gomez lead the early registrants.

Governor Bella Flor Angara-Castillo, NCFP president Prospero Pichay Jr., Grandmaster Eugene Torre and other Aurora province officials will be the guests of honor during the opening ceremonies to be held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 14.

Information, registration: NCFP executive director Willie Abalos at 09292266210 / 09292390644 or the secretariat (02) 3817224, 09277209260 or 09053269576 or Aurora provincial sports director Engr. Cornelio Ancheta Jr. mobile 0918-4112338.