CAGAYAN de Oro’s “fighting four” opens its bid for the crowning glory in the 1st Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Albee Benitez Masskara Festival National Inter Provinces, Cities and Municipalities Chess Team Championship which unwraps today at the Forest Park Resort in Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
“They’re all in high spirits and ready to rumble,” said coaching staff member Jashper Gonzales, referring to International Master Richelieu Salcedo III, Lennon Hart Salgados, Allan Cantonjos, and Christian Arroyo.
Around P600,000 in total cash prizes are up for grabs in the five-day (Oct 12-16) event with the lion's share of P150,000 going to the champion team.
The Mayor Rolando 'Klarex' Uy-backed Team Cagayan de Oro expects a close rivalry with the host city’s Team A and Team B spearheaded by IM Joel Pimentel and Grandmaster Darwin Laylo, respectively.
The Calapan City team of GM Rogelio Antonio Jr also joins in the hunt for the prestigious title in this NCFP-sanctioned tourney held in cooperation with the Department of Interior and Local Government, Bacolod Yuhum Foundation, Inc., Bacolod Information Office, Bacolod City Tourism Office, Bacolod City Health Office, Philippine Arbiters Chess Confederation, and Bacolod Chess Players Association.
