Phl chessers vie in China

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino young chessers are seeing action in the first edition of the China-versus-ASEAN chess match slated Aug. 23-28 at the Lanice Hotel Inn, New Asia Athletics Park, Guangfu Road in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.

The Filpino bets competing in the tournament dubbed the “China-ASEAN Youth Chess Classic Tournament 2011” are Dennis Gutierrez III of Bulacan-Pangasinan, Ronald Canino of Cagayan de Oro, Julius Gonzales of Marikina, Daryl Unix Samantila of Tonsuya, Malabon, Irish Yngayo of Davao City, Samantha Glo Revita of Rosales, Pangasinan and Jerlyn Mae and Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Gutierrez III and Canino will compete in the open 8-under, Gonzales in the under-10 and Samantila in the under-12. The females bets are Jerlyn and Yngayo (under 8) and Marie Antoinette and Samantha Glo (under 12).

Three age groups-U8, 10 and 12 will be played in the Double-Round Scheveningen System. Medals will be awarded to the best 3 individual results in each category. The winning team will receive the Challenge Cup.

Pichay said the PH age group chess team will be leaving for China on August 22 which backed up by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) thru it’s chairman Ricardo Garcia and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

“We’re sending our top players in the different age-group categories and we’re confident of doing well here in China,” said Pichay.

Pichay said the player earned the right to represent the country following their strong showing in 12th ASEAN age-group chess competition held in Tarakan, Indonesia last June.

“Most of our players are in good shape right now. They are all well-prepared and better-trained,” added NCFP Executive Director and former olympian GM Jayson Gonzales, who was also appointed by Pichay as NCFP director for grassroots youth development program.

The China-ASEAN Youth Chess Classic Tournament 2011 is jointly organized by Kunming Sports Development, Kunming Chess Association and Jinma Chess Club under the auspices of ASEAN Chess Confederation and Chinese Chess Association.