National chess tourney unfolds

MANILA, Philippines – The Victory Central Mall-National Open chess championship reels off today at the Victory Central Mall in Monumento, Caloocan with a star-studded field led by grandmasters Mark Paragua, Darwin Laylo, Jayson Gonzales and Buenaventura Villamayor seeking.

International Masters Richard Bitoon, Rolando Nolte and Chito Garma have also confirmed their participation in the seven-day competition organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) in cooperation with Victory Central Mall.

NCFP president/chairman Prospero Pichay Jr. and Victory Central Mall leasing and marketing manager Nanette Racal will make the ceremonial moves in the 1 p.m. opening ceremony.

At stake are trophies and cash prizes, with the champion pocketing P100,000. The runner-up and the third placer will receive P60,000 and P40,000, respectively.

In the 14-under division, the top three placers will earn P7,000, P5,000 and P3,000, respectively, plus trophies.

The top three finishers in women’s category and non-master will pocket P2,500, P1,500 and P1,000, respectively.

Last-minute participants can go to the tournament venue to register.

For inquiries, call up the NCFP office at tel. 381-7224, NCFP executive/events director Willie Abalos at cell 0929-226620, 0929-390644, 0905-3269576 or the NCFP secretariat at cell 0927-7209260 and 0928-5513089.