Tanauan to stage inter-cities chess

MANILA, Philippines - The National Inter-Cities and Municipalities chess team championship will be held Nov. 4-8 in Tanauan City, Batangas with the country’s top players participating.

The five-man team tournament, a seven-round Swiss system event, allows each squad to field a maximum of two titled players with an average FIDE rating of 2150 and below.

Games will be played at the Tanauan City gym with the top four teams advancing into the knockout semifinals.

The winning team will receive P150,000 while the runner-up will get P90,000 with the rest of the total prize fund of P570,000 to be broken down to 10th place.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Butch Pichay Jr. thanked Tanuan for hosting the event, organized by the Tanauan Economic Council, headed by lawyer Ruel Canobas.

“We are proud that NCFP has chosen our city to host this prestigious event. I hope we can contribute to the grassroots development of this sport where Filipinos can excel,” said Canobas.

Special awards will also be given to the individual board champions with P5,000 to be awarded to the team with the best uniform.

A rapid-chess side event among players of eliminated teams will also be held simultaneously with the semifinal and final rounds with P20,000 cash prize to be disputed.

For details, contact Edwin Castillo of Tanauan City (09167027157); IA Gene Poliarco chief arbiter (09237309445); or NCFP executive director Jayson Gonzales (343-3089).