Cebu’s top chess players to strut wares in Tuburan

CEBU, Philippines - Some of Cebu's toughest and finest chess players will once again try to outwit each other in the 1st Tuburan Inter Municipalities and Cities Chess Team Tournament on December 28-29 at the plaza of the bustling northeastern municipality that is the hometown of Cebuano hero General Arcadio Maxilom.

The cash-rich event offering a total of P80,000 in cash prize to the winners was formally launched by no less than Tuburan Mayor Democrito "Aljun" Diamante yesterday at Harold's Hotel. He was joined by event coordinator Marvin Y. Ruelan, FIDE Arbiter Bob Tojong, CPA Rodrigo Ababat, and Brgy. Capt. Vicente T. Bornia, Jr.

"Tuburan has already h

osted several sporting events in the past like cycling, basketball, tennis and boxing to name a few. This time, however, we feel that we have to offer something new to our people through this beautiful European board game. This is also our humble way of encouraging Cebuano chess players to further excel in this sporting discipline that is often left out of support it richly deserves," said Diamante.

"I hope that the participants will find this helpful in improving their skills and eventually motivate them to bring honor and pride to our country in international competitions someday," added Diamante, who is also the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-National Vice President for the Visayas.

Aside from trophies, the champion will pocket P30,000, while the second and third placers will take home P20,000 and P10,000, respectively. The fourth and fifth will get P6,000 and P4,000. The top individual performers will get a bonus of P1,000 each for boards 1 and 2 and P750 for boards 3 and 4.

Each team shall be composed of four regular players and one reserve. The players shall be listed in a fixed order from boards one to four plus alternate.

To be governed by the rules of International Chess Federation (FIDE), the two-day tilt is open to all towns and cities. The format is 5-round Swiss system or round robin depending on the number of entries.

Each town is allowed to hire only one import, who is not a voter of the towns they represent.

Among those who have already signified their intent to join in the competition ate the Sevillano brothers Voltaire and Rhenzi Kyle representing host Tuburan, Richard Natividad of Bogo, Mario Mangubat of Minglanilla, and NM Leonardo Alidano and Eden Diano of Mandaue to name a few.

Registration fee is pegged at P1,500. For more information, intersted parties may contact Ruelan at 0926-7352951. (FREEMAN)