NCFP stages two int’l chess tournaments

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino chess players will get the chance to earn the needed FIDE ratings and norms when two international tournaments are played next month in the country.

Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, also executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippine (NCFP), said Pinoy chess players should not let the opportunity pass.

First on tap is the Philippine International Chess Championship from Dec. 5 to 12, followed by the Philippine Sports Commission-Puregold International Chess Challenge from Dec. 14 to 21.

Both tournaments will be played at the Celebrity Sports Plaza.

Gonzales told the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate that foreign grandmasters will see action in the events offering cash prizes totaling $60,500.

“We posted the event in the FIDE website and we got inquiries from grandmasters from Armenia, Ukraine, Belgium, Germany and India. Two grandmasters from Georgia have confirmed their participation,” he said.

Gonzales said it’s the perfect opportunity for Filipino players who are seeking their GM norms. He mentioned the names of Pinoy FIDE Master Paulo Bersamina and IM Emmanuel Garcia.

“If you need the norms you cannot miss these tournaments,” said Gonzales.

The PSC and the Philippine Olympic Committee are supporting the events because it gives Filipino chess players to chance to pit their skills against foreign players.

Gonzales said women players are also invited to see action. He said tournaments will cost as much as P6 million to host, including the board and lodging of the foreign players.

“We are expecting around 20 foreign grandmasters and they will stay in the country for 16 days,” the Pinoy GM said.

“It’s still a lot cheaper than sending our players to compete overseas. With this amount, you can only send a handful. But by holding the tournaments here, more Filipino players can compete,” he added.