Wednesday, September 19, 2007 6th Asian chess makes first moves today
IT’S all systems go for the start of the 6th Asian Individual Chess Championships today at the Exhibition Hall of the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City with Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia as the guest of honor.
The opening ceremonies, which will start at 1 p.m., will usher the qualifying tournament for the 2007 Fide World Cup wherein ten slots are available.
Also expected to attend the opening ceremonies are National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero Pichay, Fide Honorary President Florencio Campomanes, Asian Chess Federation Deputy President Castro Abundo, Cebuano stalwarts Boojie Lim of the Cebu Chess Federatino and Matias “Bombi” Aznar.
Other Fide officials include Fide Secretary General Ignatius Leong of Singapore, Fide Technical Commission Chairman Dr. Andrzej Filipowicz of Poland.
Meanwhile, Filipino Grandmasters Eugene Torre and Rogelio “Joey” Antonio will lead the Filipino campaign for a place in the World Cup which will be held sometime in November this year.
The Cebuano campaigners are Fide Master Anthony Makinano, and International Masters Barlo Nadera and Richard Bitoon. Chess analysts say the Filipinos may be facing an uphill battle with formidable opponents like the Chinese contenders.
The tournament is an 11-round Swiss system with a time control of 90 moves for the first 40 moves followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game with an additional of 30 second per move starting from move one. The total cash prize for the top 30 spots is $40,000.
All chess loving Cebuanos are invited to watch the chess games. (JGC with Frank Pestaño)
