Yap pursues GM norm

CEBUANO International chess master Kim Steven Yap will jump on the opportunity to bag the elusive GM norm as he takes part in the nine-day 2017 Negros International Open Chess Championship set on Oct. 11-19 at the Ikhtus Oshron Hall in Bacolod City.

For nine-years, IM Yap has been chasing the elusive first GM norm after getting his final IM norm in 2008.

He could get the first norm as the Negros tournament, which was hosted by Piaya Network Broadcasting Corporation and A&V Negros Chess Club, gathers four GMs from other countries who include English GM Nigel Short, who once fought Gary Kasparov for the world title in 1993.

Joining Vietnamese GMs Tuan Minh Tran and Duc Hua Nguyen and GM Srinath Naranayan of India and Filipino GMs Joey Antonio and Darwin Laylo.

The other Filipino IMs who are competing for the top cash prize of $3,000 include IMs Ronald Dableo, Oliver Dimakiling, Haridas Pascua, Chito Garma, Joel Pimentel, Ronald Bancod and Richellieu Salcedo.

Aside from IM Yap, National Master Merben Roque is also joining the tournament for his hunt for an IM norm. (RCM)

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