TOP-SEEDED FIDE MASTER (FM) Randy Segarra paced the open category of the on-going 2015 Kadayawan Open chess tournament that opened yesterday morning at the NCCC Mall of Davao.
Segarra tallied one point after the first round of the scheduled eight-round swiss-system format chess tournament that was sponsored by the City Government of Davao through Davao City Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte through the initiative of the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor Office (SDD-CMO).
Segarra, who hails from Manila, is still playing Joertz Gimony in their second round match as of this writing.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) 11 director James Infiesto, also the tournament's director, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao at the sidelines of the tournament, said that he expects Segarra to fair well in the tournament
“Segarra is a Fide Master, he’s a world chess federation master, it reflects on his rating which is 2310,” said Infiesto, who's also playing in the open category event.
Infiesto added:"These are players that have high ratings but don’t have titles. This serves as an opportunity for the children to compete with elite players.”
Fe Mangayayam, a person with disability (PWD) who had her previous stint in the 7th Asean Paragames held earlier this year in Myanmar.
Mangayayam, who hails from Koronadal City, said that she was glad that her manager was very supportive had had let her join the tournament here in Davao
She also bared that she will stay here in the city as she intends to compete with her fellow PWDs in the 2015 Kadayawan Para Games.
Top ten players will be awarded with cash prizes and medals.
A total 100 chessers have joined in this year's competition that is open to players with or without titles. The tournament will resumes today at the same venue. (Kristine P. Soria/AdDu Intern)