COUNTRY’S TOP RATED WOODPUSHERS VYING BATTLE OF GMs TODAY IN TAGAYTAY; SUPER GM SO EYES 3RD TITLE

COUNTRY’s top rated player led by Super GM Wesley So head the list of bidders when the third Phoenix Petroleum- “Battle of GMs”  chess championship   kicks off at 1 p.m. today (Tuesday,  May 25)  at  the Character Hotel in Tagaytay City.

So, who ruled the  first  two stagings of the event  held in  Manila  in 2008 and Dapitan City last year, is favored to capture his third straight title in this prestigious tournament  organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), headed by chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, in cooperation with the Tagaytay City government and Phoenix Petroleum.

But So is expected to be challenged anew by fellow World Cup camapigners GMs Rogelio Antonio, Jr. and Darwin laylo and a host of other equally-talented players.

“I expect another exciting battle featuring the country’s best players, said Pichay, who is personally organizing the event  with the support of Phoenix Petroleum.

“So  is expected to play well  and defend his title, but Antonio,  Laylo and the rest of the participants are all capable of pulling off  some surprises,” added PIchay, who is leaving no stone untruend to ensure the success of the third edition of the tournament.

Pichay,  Tagaytay City Mayor  Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, and Phoenix Petroleum officials, led by  president/CEO Dennis Uy and brand/marleting manager Jay Delloso will grace today’s  short but colourful  opening ceremony starting at 1 p.m.

Tolentino, who was unanimously voted to another term,  said  Tagaytay and its chess-loving residents are happy for this chance to host the country’s top chess players in a no-holds barred competition.

“We have hosted several major chess tournament in the past, including the chess competition in the  SEA Games, but this is the first time that the Battle of GMs will be held here,” said Tolentino, also the secretary-general of the country’s governing chess body.

A total cash prize of  P200,000 and a finely-crafted trophy await the champion in this tournament

Aside from So, Antonio and  Laylo, the other  players seeing action are GMs John Paul Gomez and Jayson Gonzales, IMs Richard Bitoon, Julio Catalino Sadorra, Ronald Dableo, Rolando Nolte, Oliver Dimakiling and  FMs Haridas Pascua and Jan Emmanuel Garcia.

Notably absent are GMs Eugene Torre, Mark Paragua, Nelson Mariano and Buenaventura “Bong” Villamayor, who  begged off from participation due to  various commitments

But NCFP executive/events director Willie Abalos  said  young and highly-rated players are taking their place.

In the women’s division,  top favorite Shercila Cup heads the bidders for the P50,000 top prize.

Joinining  Cua  in the list are Catherine Perena,  Cheradee Camacho, Jedara Docena,  Christy Bernales,, Cherry Ann Mejia, Beverly Mendoza, Akiko Suede, Aices Salvador.

Three  other entries – Jan Jodilyn Fronda, Sherily Cua and Daisy Rivera  –  have already begged  off due to  prior  job and school  commitments, forcing  organizers to choose for the  replacements.
For inquiries, call  Abalos or Patrick Lee at the  NCFP office,  Bldg. B, room 407, Philsports Complex,  Pasig City with tel. (02) 3817224,  and cell  0929-2266210, 0927-7209260 and  0905-3269576.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO