GRANDMASTERS Darwin Laylo and Rogelio Antonio Jr., GM-elect Ronald Dableo, grandmaster candidate Oliver Dimakiling and international master Emmanuel Garcia will lead their respective teams in the cash-rich 2nd Robert Tan Memorial Cup on June 29-30 at the Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro City.
"Confirmed na kini sila nga modula uban ang ilang mga teams. This is a big chess event in the City of Gold nga maka-attract kaayo sa mga top chess players sa nasod nga i-try ilang luck," national master Rustum Tolentino told SunStar Cagayan de Oro.
Tolentino, however, said that he is not yet certain about the participation of Asia's first Grandmaster Eugene Torre, considering the nature of the competition, which is a rapid one.
"GM Torre is known as a classical player. Dili niya forte ang rapid but who knows nga magka-interest pud siya pag-anhi," Tolentino said.
At least 40 sets of wooden boards and pieces, as well as DGT clocks have been prepared to make the two-day event more convenient.
Kicking off the Fide-rated tourney is the 5th Goodwill Match between Cagayan de Oro-MisOr and the visiting Davao All Stars, which will be played in 16 boards for regular players and executives on June 28.
With total prizes of P420,000, the Memorial Cup is guaranteed to be a sure-fire hit.