OZAMIZ City welcomes another positive development that could further boost its image as the leading destination for the country's big time chess events in Mindanao island.

“It comes as a surprise, and we’re so happy to have them compete with the top male chess players in the country today,” said Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo, weeks before the opening of the 5th Asenso Ozamiz Open Chess Tournament on July 12-13 at the City Gymnasium of Ozamiz.

ANOTHER SURPRISE. Barring unforeseen glitches, the reigning national women’s champion 16-year-old Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro, photographed here with world-class Grandmaster Wesley So, will pit wits in Ozamiz. Photo courtesy of Canino family

Urbiztondo was referring to the Philippine women’s chess team’s participation in Ozamiz as recently confirmed to him by Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, who will join Hall of Famer GM Eugene Torre in the ceremonial moves alongside Misamis Occidental governor Henry Oaminal, Ozamiz City Mayor Sam Fuentes, and Representatives Sancho Fernando ‘Ando’ Oaminal and Atty. Henry ‘Indy’ Oaminal, Jr.

Urbiztondo said the presence of the Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna-led national team in Ozamiz will surely inspire young participants who expect to play with them in the scheduled simultaneous display with the masters during the opening day of the cash-rich tourney, dangling P500,000 or more in total cash prizes.

Frayna and the Philippine women’s chess team, also composed of Woman Fide Master Shania Mae Mendoza, Woman International Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda, and newly-minted WFM Ruelle Canino from Cagayan de Oro, made a historic gold medal finish in Category B of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, finishing
24th overall.

The team, powered by the 16-year-old Canino’s brilliant output on board 4, delivered strong performances, with each player winning their respective matches in the final round against Brazil.

“We already have Grandmasters Joey Antonio, Darwin Laylo and Daniel Quizon, as well as the IMs, FMs and leading chess masters in the country regularly coming and competing here in Ozamiz every year. The national women’s team’s participation will surely add color and excitement of this yearly chess activity in Misamis Occidental province,” Urbiztondo said.