ONE of Mindanao’s biggest chess thrills will be back in Region-10 with Ozamiz City set to host the cash-rich 2nd Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Open Chess Tournament on July 9-10 at the AYA Hotel and Residences in Clarin, Misamis Occidental.
A whopping P355,000 in total cash prizes will be up for grabs in the FIDE-rated rapid chess tourney organized by the Asenso Misamis Occidental Federated Chess Association in coordination with the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental.
Serving as major sports highlight of the 76th Ozamiz City Charter Anniversary and feast of Nuestra Sra. Dela Concepcion y del Triunfo de Migpangi, the two-day event sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) has attracted the country’s top players.
Foremost in the list are Grandmasters Rogelio Antonio Jr and Darwin Laylo, defending champion Joel Pimentel and fellow IMs Daniel Quizon, Michael Concio Jr, Rolando Nolte, Ronald Bancod, Angelo Abundo Young, Chito Garma, Eric Labog Jr. and Ronald Dableo.
Also signifying their participation are Fide Masters Alekhine Nouri, Ellan Asuela, Rosendo Bandal, Victor Lluch, and Vince Alaan, National Masters Rommel Guanzon, John Cyrus Borce, and Joey Florendo, among others.
“Dako among kalipay nga na triple atong pa premyo through the generous heart of Governor Oaminal kay originally over P100,000 ra atong gi-proposed nga budget for this tournament that we expect to be a sure-fire hit,” Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo told Gold Star Daily.
No less than Hall of Famer and Asia’s First Grandmaster Eugene Torre is invited to lead the ceremonial moves along with Gov. Oaminal, Mayor Henry Oaminal, Jr., and Rep. Sancho Fernando Oaminal.
Awaiting the champion is the lion’s share of P50,000 and the grand championship trophy, while the second up to sixth placers will receive P30,000, P20,000, P10,000, P5,000 and P3,000 each.
The rest of the top-10 finishers will get P2,000 apiece. Those who make the top 20 will settle for the P1,000 consolation prize.
Juicy cash prizes are also at stake for the top High School (under 17), Top Elementary (under 13), and Top Misamis Occidental who will run away with P30,000 each, apart from the cash reward to be given away to the Top Senior (60 above), Top Junior (20 below), Top Lady (U17), Top Lady (U13) and Top Lady (Open).
