NCFP to host 2 major int’l chess tilts in Subic

NATIONAL Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) is hosting at least two major international chess tournaments in Subic this year.

NCFP president/chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. said the country will host the 2010 Asian Continental Individual men’s and women’s championships on April 20 to 30 and the ASEAN age-group chess tournament on June 4 to 13 both at the Subic Exhibition and Convention Center.

As much as US$ 55,000 in cash prizes are at stake in the Asian Individual Championships.

“The year 2009 was a very good year for Philippine chess, especially with GM Wesley So earning a lot of respect from the international community,” said Pichay.

“But we believe the coming year could even be bigger with the country again hosting the Asian Individual Chess Championships and the ASEAN age-group chess tournament,” added Pichay, who plans to host as many as five international tournaments to give the much-needed exposure to the Filipino players.

Pichay said top players from all over Asia are again expected to participate in the nine-round competition, which is considered as one of the biggest chess competitions in the region.

Aside from the juicy cash prizes, at stake in the 2010 Asian Championships of four berths to the 2011 World Chess Cup scheduled in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

This will be the third time in four years that the country is hosting the Asian Individual Championships under the able leadership of Pichay and secretary-general and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

NCFP executive/events director Willie Abalos said the ASEAN age-group championship is another must-see event in the chess calendar.

Now on its 11th year, the ASEAN age-group tournament for boys and girls is divided into six categories: 18 years old and under, 16-under, 14-under, 12-under, 10-under and 8-under.

Abalos also said top Asian players have also been invited to add spice to the week-long tournament. correspondent MARLON BERNARDINO - Cebu Daily News