Over 30 teams vie in inter-province chess

MANILA, Philippines - More than 30 teams, led by multi-titled Tagaytay and Palawan, have already confirmed their participation in the 2010 National Inter-Provincial chess team championship scheduled April 11-15 at the Cabagnot Cultural and Training Center in Old Buswang.

Tagaytay will be bannered by GM Darwin Laylo, while Palawan will be led by GM Rogelio Antonio Jr.

Other notable teams and their top players are LWUA-A (GM John Paul Gomez), DAR-Lanao del Sur (FM Roderick Nava), Makati (FM David Elorta), LWUA-B (Alcon John Datu), Laguna (FM Emmanuel Senador), Bicol (NM Edmundo Gatus), Iloilo City (NM Cesar Mariano), Bacolod (NM Rolando Andador), La Paz-Iloilo (NM Rodrigo Atotubo), Capiz (NM Francis Jocson), Misamis Oriental (NM Levi Mercado), Boracay-A of IM Idelfonso Datu and Aklan Junior (NM Alfred Acaling) and Rizal (IM Oliver Barbosa).  

Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero “Butch” Pichay are expected to make the ceremonial moves during the formal opening ceremonies.

At stake in the nine-round tournament, which is open to all cities, provinces and   municipalities, schools and clubs, are trophies and cash prizes amounting to more than P300,000.         

NCFP secretary-general and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said each team may field a minimum of four regular players or one alternate for a maximum of five players. However, only one titled player (GM, IM, FM or NM) is allowed per team.