NORTHERN Mindanao chess players are set to face their Visayas counterparts again in a “grudge rematch” after a dominant performance in last year’s chess festival held here in Ozamiz City.

Last year’s victory for the home squad was so decisive that Visayas players based in Cebu City are seeking a third showdown, aiming for a decider since they won the first encounter two years ago.

“Dili kumbinsido ang Visayas team nga nakulata sila sa Mindanao, hence another rematch. Magpa premyo kita’g another P30,000 for this exciting match-up maybe for over 25 boards,” organizer Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo told Gold Star Daily.

MAY THEIR TRIBES INCREASE. The gentlemen, including Asia’s first Grandmaster Eugene Torre, behind the biggest chess spectacle in this Northern part of Mindanao island. Photo by Lynde Salgados

In a separate event, the best of Northern Mindanao will also compete against the rest of Mindanao. Northern Mindanao’s team, strongly led by Cagayan de Oro’s top players including International Master Richelieu Salcedo III, Lennon Hart Salgados, Antonio Chavez Jr., Johnnel Balquin and National Master Levi Mercado, dominated their last face-off at the Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Urbiztondo told Gold Star Daily that these two team matches are side events to the 5th Asenso Ozamiz Open Chess Tournament, scheduled for July 12-13 at the City Gymnasium in Ozamiz.

The tournament will feature around half a million pesos in total cash prizes across three categories: open, high school and elementary.