FOR the first time, the visiting Davao woodpushers will test the chess strength of Cagayan de Oro in a 10-board showdown to be sponsored by Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano on August 15 at the Provincial Capitol Chess Park.
Explore MisOr Chess Cooperative head Fr. Vic Arellano said the much awaited event dubbed as “Mindanao Chess Battle Royale” and featuring the best of the best in Mindanao is aimed at promoting “Chess for Peace.”
“This is unique in a way nga as big as a team composed of Cagayan de Oro and Davao’s best chess players gyud ang magharong,” Fr. Arellano told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.
The two-round team tourney has guaranteed prize of P12,000.
Comprising the Davao Chess All Stars are NM Alex Lupian (2216), NM Macacuna Macala (2178), NM Cedric Magno (2048), Jason Salubre (2269), Henry Lopez (2202), Harrison Maamo (2130), Vincent Umayan (2051), Jimmy Dano (2138), Bem Quiñonez and James Infiesto (2124) with Engr. Allan Diez as team captain.
Anchoring the Misamis Oriental Chess Team of Fr. Arellano are NM Rustum Tolentino (2336), NM Levi Mercado (2201), NM Roger Verganio (2136), Lyndon Lumancas (2273), Allan Cantonjos (2242), Jognnel Balquin (2166), Bryan Jose (2073), Nazario Ubanan (2071), Silverio Abasolo (2067) and Jokorn Maestrado (1980).
“I think dili sa rating, but sa experience magdaug kini nga team showdown,” said former Misamis Oriental player Billy Barbac, now working abroad, via Facebook interaction.
Other mechanics of the Goodwill Match include the time control of 60 minutes per player (play to finish) with the board assignments of the players to be submitted by the team captain per round.
The host province will shoulder the food and accommodation of the visiting team for the duration of the competition.