Youth tourney to usher in big P'sinan chess

LINGAYEN, Philippines – An open chess tournament unfolds here on Saturday with a view to develop young talents into professional players of world-class caliber.

Young chessers who have undergone formal training in a chess clinic series mentored by International Master Rodolfo Tan Cardoso under the second Gov. Amado Espino Jr. are expected to lead the field in the two-day Pangasinan Age Group Open Chess Championship slated at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center.

Modesto Operania, provincial sports consultant, said the tournament, open to all young players in the country, will consist of seven age brackets: Under 20, Under 18, Under 16, Under 14, Under 12, Under 10 and Under 8.

Operania said the tournament kicks off a series of games for this year’s Pangasinan Chess Festival as programmed by the province to elevate the sport into a higher level of promotion and interest among the youth. This, he added, will serve as an opportunity for amateurs to play against grandmasters.

Other scheduled chess tournaments include the Pangasinan Chess Championship on Nov. 19 to 21 and the third Gov. Amado Espino Jr. Cup Open chess tournament on Dec. 21-22.

The tournaments will be sponsored by the provincial government and organized by the Pangasinan Chess Federation.

To register, contact Modesto Operania-09176123056; Juan Vicente Sison-09205037104; and Ron Vergara-09152316608.

The event also offers fabulous prizes and incentives for the participants.