A TOTAL of 52 players, the best in their respective divisions, will compete for honors in the Davao Monthly Chess Challenge grand finals set today at the NCCC Mall Davao Food Cove function hall.
The grand finalists were the top three placers every monthly tournament held last year, thus, raising the level of competition in the tournament.
The 15 under-18 qualifiers are James Rhey Bantugan, Daniel Rome Borinaga, Honey Grace Buenafe, Allen Daven de Asis, Alberto Diolola, Jr., Bhing Joel Gimony, Joerlz Gimony, Francis Xavier Guimalan, Carl Jason Huliganga, Earl Rhey Mantilla, John Marvin Miciano, Kurt John Placencia, Tahseen Saludsong, Sumail Sekak III and Joshua Noel Tiagan.
In 14-under, entered are Amber JuneezaAmbor, Alritz Jefferson Amor, Chris Maynard Ampon, Princess Atupan, Chris Angelo Bactad, Rochelle Althea Dula, Jude Nathaniel Enoc, Florence Faith Guevarra, Princess Rose Mamparo, Queen Peralta, Lorie Jean Sumi-og, Jeff Daniel Vitor, Irish Yngayo and Lorraine Yngayo.
The under-10 division has 21 grand finalists including Charlene Moulic, Jasmine Amoncio, Jackie Lou Andoy, Ryan Gabriel Rasay, Gabriel John Umayan and Alfred Nathaniel Sanchez.
Medals and surprise gift items await winners in the chessfest backed up by Manuel "Gogo" Alba and National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) regional director James Infiesto.
Games start at 12:30 p.m.