150 join 15th BCM non-masters chess

BACK-to-back winner Roel Abelgas guns for a rare three-peat as the 15th Baguio Centermall Non-Masters Chess tournament gets underway with close to 150 woodpushers answering the call of the two day tournament which kicked-off Saturday morning.

Abelgas, a native of Cavite will gun for his third straight championship this year after winning the 13th and 14th editions last March and June this year.

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Two divisions will be played in the tournament dubbed Baguio Day Cup as part of the City's 101st charter day celebration being held at the Chess Gallery, 4th floor of the mall.

But it won't be an easy task for Abelgas as he will be challenged by local bets Rafael Kimmayong, Ryan Dungca and University of Baguio's Zyralle Kindipan who will also see action in the tournament.

The tournament aims to promote the board game of chess especially among the youth while facilitating the development of talented enthusiast's skills and confidence.

The grand winner in the open division is set to clinch the top prize of P7,000 with a trophy, while the second placer will bring home P5,000 and a trophy.

The third placer will receive P3,000 plus a trophy, while the fourth and fifth placer gets P1,000 and 800 respectively with the 6th to 10th finishers to bring home P500 each.

A P5,000 prize and trophies await the top winner in the kiddies division, while trophies and cash prizes of P3,000 and P1,500 will be given to second and third placers.

Fourth place finishers in the kiddies division will bring home P1,000 and the fifth place gets P800 while the 6th to 10th placers will salvage P500.

Trophies also await the special awardees for top junior, top lady and top senior while top nine kiddies players will receive P300 in the seven-round Swiss system tournament. (Roderick Osis)