ONLY the best of M'lang hospitality will be showcased when the 2019 National Age-Group Chess Championships Mindanao Leg on March 1 to 3 at the SP Building, City of M'lang in North Cotabato.

M'lang Vice Mayor Joselito Piñol, during Thursday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at The Annex of SM City Davao, said, “We don't have what other LGUs have but we can offer good if not excellent services to the delegates from tricycle drivers, hotel and inns and restaurants. We have briefed them already as well as the police.”

He said some 300 participants from different parts of the country are expected to compete while some parents and coaches may also join the youth chessers.

Piñol added that bringing everyone together in M'lang to support the tournament that serves as qualifying for the national championships proves that they take their hosting seriously.

“We do our best in everything may it be in sports activities or education-related. Even in the Sinulog, we finished second. Grabe ang preparation namin for this,” he said, also assuring that security of the players.

Liaison officers will also be assigned to each inn and hotel where the players will be staying. They also prepared billeting center for those who are on tight budget.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) regional director James Infiesto, for his part, said grand master Eugene Torre will be the guest speaker of the opening ceremonies to be graced by Mayor Russel Abonado. Torre is set to hold simultaneous exhibition matches with selected players.

“The top three finishers in 14 categories will advance to the grand finals where slots to the 201th Asean+ Age-Group Chess Championships in Myanmar are at stake,” Infiesto said.

He also said that the Philippine Sports Commission and NCFP will shoulder the Myanmar trip of the top qualifiers.

Mindanao leg's top 10 players in boys and girls 20-below, 18-below, 16-below, 14-below, 12-below, 10-below, and eight-below will receive cash prizes. The champions will also claim trophies while the rest of the top 10 will go home with medals.