CEBU, Philippines - More than a hundred pawnpushers will test each other's skills as the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association's 23rd Anniversary Open Chess Tournament gets underway today at the Event Centre of SM City-Cebu.
Among the top players to watch out for in the two-day tilt are BonnTibod, Richard Natividad, Eden Diano, Rommel Ganzon, and Anthony Makinano.
Young guns in the mold of Kyle Sevillano, Yves Fiel, Diego Claro, Felix Shaun Balbona, and Allan Pason are also expected to make their presence felt in this 9-round Swiss system competition supported by Boojie Lim of Rose Pharmacy, Jemar Engineering, Lite Shipping, Atty. Jennoh Tequillo, Andrew Aznar, Kelly Uy, Model Rent A Car, and a host of charitable Cepcans.
A total of P30,400 in cash prize is at stake to the top performers. Aside from trophy, the champion will receive P7,000, while the second to fifth placers will pocket P5, 000, P3, 000, P2, 000 and P1,000, respectively.
The sixth to 10th finishers will get P500 each, the 11th to 15th P400, while those who will make it to the top 20 will receive a consolation prize of P300.
Additional prizes will be given away to the top three players under the seniors (50-above), juniors (16-20), ladies, and kiddies 15-under and 10-under categories.
Registration fee is pegged at P100 for the ladies and kiddies and P200 for the regular participants.
For further information, one may contact FIDE Arbiter Marvin Ruelan at 0926-7352951, Jun Olis at 0923-2629642, Boy Pestaño at 0929-2104437 or Jojo Muralla at 0922-4762566. (FREEMAN)