FOR Caissa's chess disciples around the country, the 2nd Robert Tan Memorial Chess Tournament in Cagayan de Oro sounds more exciting than the fast-approaching May elections.
And why not.
With a mind-boggling P100,000 take home for the champion in team tourney and P30,000 top purse in the individual event, it's guaranteed to attract the participation of the country's top grandmasters, international masters, FIDE masters and national masters in the City of Gold's biggest chess tourney this year.
"Yes, in the bag na kana nga tournament in memory of my beloved brother Robert. In fact, nag start na among preparation to ensure the success of this Memorial Cup," said National Master Roly Tan, chairman of the family's business in Cagayan de Oro which is the Goldcrest Marketing Corporation in downtown Divisoria.
To be slated June 29 to 30 either at Limketkai's Atrium or SM Premiere downtown, the Memorial Cup's "Tatluhan" team tourney will offer P70,000 and P45,000 plus trophies for the second and third placers. The fourth, fifth, sixth and 7th team finishers will receive P30,000, P20,000, P10,000 and P5,000 each.
"Amo sab nga gi FIDE-rated event ang individual rapid aron makakuha og international rating atong mga local players," said Levi Mercado, who along with fellow master Rustum Tolentino, runs the Goldcrest-backed Masters Class Chess School in Cagayan de Oro.
Already, the cash-rich tourney listed the FEU Tamaraws, Air Force and Army teams from Manila among those that signified early of their participation.
"Barring unforeseen glitches, all out ang support sa FEU boys sa tournament ni master (NM Tan)," said Antonio Chavez Jr., who along with fellow army man Alfredo Rapanot Jr. and Air Force guys (Lennon Hart, IM Jong Salcedo) formed part of the FEU Tamaraws' historic title runs in the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) collegiate chess competition.