Woodpushers battle for top honors as the third Open Rapid Regional Chess Tournament gets underway at the Borongan City Hall Lobby tomorrow.
Catarman Chess Club A, led anew by Cyril Jao, Jason Arninio and Arvin Poso, will try to retain its crown against 23 other teams from Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Leyte and Biliran.
Seventy-two chess players, teaming up by threes for each team, will duke it out in the event that will follow a seven-round Swiss system with 15 minutes plus three-second increment time control.
The tourney, organized by the city government of Borongan in partnership with the Borongan City Chess Club, starts at 8 a.m.
“The event aims to contribute to the city government’s vision to produce world-class athletes and to promote Borongan as a tourism hub and premier sports destination, and boost its economy,” said Borongan City Chess Club president Jolex Estanislao.
The tournament, which also aims to promote chess as an all-inclusive sport, according to Estanislao, will feature participants ranging from 10 to 77 years old.
Raising the banner for the distaff side is Faith Estanislao, the only girl and the youngest among the competitors who will play for Pawn, Pawn de SeraPawn together with father Jolex.
Norman Ballera and Genaro Godino, champion in the first edition, will lead Borongan City Chess Club Team A as they try to take another shot at the title against Borongan City Chess Club Team B, XUR 1 Pawn Movers Chess Club, XUR 2 Pawn Movers Chess Club, XUR 3 Pawn Movers Chess Club, XUR 4 Pawn Movers Chess Club Knights, BaCham, New Generation, The Monkey Cave, Father and Son plus Sir D, Team Giporlos, Team Norte, McArthur Generals, Buna Kids, Triple Kill – Rampage Edition, Born To Be Wild – Reloaded, Pawn, Pawn De SeraPawn, Team Greenland, Team HoKaGe, Teknikero R8 and Uncrowned Kings.
The champion will receive P20,000 while corresponding cash prizes will also be given to the other nine placers (P15,000, P10,000, P5,000, P3,000 and P1000) as well as the top senior, lady and kiddie (P1000 each). The top team from each of the six participating provinces (P1000 each) will also receive theirs.
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