Saturday, September 09, 2006
All systems go for Inter-cities chess
DAVAO City chess fans will not be able to see rising star and hometown hero Oliver Dimakiling play when the 2006 National Inter-Cities and Municipalities Chess Team Championships fire off September 13-17 at the Atrium of Gaisano Mall.
The big names of Philippine chess like Grandmasters Eugene Torre, Rogelio Antonio Jr., and Nelson Mariano, however, are coming to spice up the five-day chess tournament sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by its president Prospero "Butch" Pichay.
James Infiesto, regional director of NCFP 11 and event organizer, said Dimakiling, an international master, will be campaigning in a series of tournaments in Europe and will not be around to show his skill before local chess buffs.
Dimakiling, who recently placed second in the Malaysian Open, will be joined in Europe by Fide Master Wesley So, National Master Darwin Laylo and Paul Gomez.
But Infiesto said the fact Dimakiling won't be able to play does not take away the luster of the event, what with the presence of Torre and Co.
Mariano will be playing the top board of the Muntinlupa-Alabang team, while Antonio will spearhead defending champion Tagaytay.
Quezon City will also pose a threat with the presence of NMs Barlo Nadera and Rolando Nolte who will play boards one and two, respectively.
Super Grandmaster Mark Paragua, meanwhile, will lead the drive for Bulacan.
Infiesto said host city Davao will field two teams while the Metro Toril Chess Club is also fielding a squad.
Pichay will grace the opening ceremonies on Sept. 14 at Gaisano Mall, according to Infiesto.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (September 9, 2006 issue)
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