Literatus all set for BP qualifying

FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus is upbeat about his chances in the Batang Pinoy 2012 Davao City chess elimination that unfolds at the Spazio of Gaisano Mall of Davao on Saturday.

Literatus, who recently placed third in the juniors event of the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championships Grand finals at SM Megamall, was relieved that he can still compete in the Games for 15 years old and under.

In Facebook chat messages, Literatus said, "Ambi nako dili nako pwede kay FM nako pero wala man diay nakabutang sa rules nga bawal ang rated players. Nalipay ko nga makadula ko (I really thought I'm no longer eligible to compete in the Batang Pinoy but I'm happy that there is no rule about prohibiting rated players from seeing action)."

The multiple Asean Age-Group Chess gold medalist Literatus was silver medalist in the National Batang Pinoy 2011 although he only lost to eventual champion Jerad Docena via tiebreaks.

Literatus, the pride of Doña Carmen Denia National High School, wishes to be able to represent Davao City again to the Mindanao qualifying then to the nationals.

The city elimination is initiated by James Infiesto, duly-appointed regional director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) since 2006, to give equal opportunity for Dabawenyos to win slots to the Davao City-backed chess team to the Mindanao qualifying.

"This elimination serves as a qualifying for the chess team that will be supported by Davao City. We don't want to appoint players who will compose the team," Infiesto said in a phone conversation Tuesday.

Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office officer-in-charge Pochollo Elegino, for his part, said the city has no funds to conduct city eliminations for the Batang Pinoy, thus, it's the call of local national sports associations to form their teams.

Categories are boys and girls 15-under, 12-under and eight-under.

Interested players are required to bring photocopy of birth certificate and barangay certificate of residency.

Registration fee of P75 will cover officiating and operational expenses for the two-day competition.