RP to host 2 major chess tourneys in 2010

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) is hosting at least two international chess tournaments in 2010 to give Filipino players the much-needed exposure in topnotch competitions. NCFP president/chairman Prospero Pichay said the country will stage the $55,000 Asian Continental Individual men’s and women’s championships on April 20-30 and the ASEAN age-group chess tournament on June 4-13 both at the Subic Exhibition and Convention Center. According to Pichay, top players from all over Asia are expected to display their wares in the nine-round tourney, considered one of the biggest chess competitions in the region. Aside from juicy cash prizes totaling $40,000 for the men’s side and $15,000 for the women’s, the 2010 Asian Continental Individual Championships will stake four berths to the 2011 World Chess Cup scheduled in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. This will be the third time in four years that the Philippines will play host to the Asian tilt. And the NCFP expects Filipino players to perform well in the 2010 edition, like they did in the two previous occasions that the country hosted the prestigious event. Last year, GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. earned a place in the World Cup when he finished fourth overall in the Asian Championships held in Subic. A mainstay of Philippine Army, the 47-year-old Antonio finished with an 11-round total of 7.5 points on five wins, five draws and only one loss to earn one of 10 slots to the 2009 World Cup. In 2007, GM Darwin Laylo also got his World Cup berth when he wound up tied for third to eight places during the Asian meet held at the Cebu International Convention Center. The 29-year-old business management graduate of San Sebastian College also earned his GM title during that year's Asian joust. The ASEAN age-group championship, meanwhile, features the region's brightest boys and girls - future GMs and WGMs. Now on its 11th year, the ASEAN tournament is divided into six categories: 18-years-old and under; 16-under; 14-under; 12-under; 10-under; and 8-under. – GMANews.TV