THE COUNTRY’S best and brightest chessers in search of a National Master (NM) title and glory will converge from Oct. 6 to 8 for the Philippine National Amateur Championships in Tagaytay City.

Over 200 participants are expected to see action in a nine-round tournament that was split into four divisions — the Open, Women, Juniors and Kiddies — all vying for the coveted NM titles as well as the total prize pot worth P100,000.

The Open division should attract the country’s top titled players including Grandmasters (GM, International Masters and FIDE Masters as they collide for the top purse amounting to P15,000.

The winners of the Women, Juniors and Kiddies sections, for their part, will pocket P5,000 each plus a beautifully crafted trophy and a set of chess set and clock while the top 10 finishers will receive cash prizes as well.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chief executive officer GM Jayson Gonzales said Cavite Vice Gov. Athena Tolentino and NM Srihaan Poddar have joined forces in helping them make the event a reality.

Ms. Tolentino provided the venue while Ms. Poddar raised the P100,000 purse through his generous sponsor friends.

NCFP President Butch Pichay, Philippine Sports Commission Chair Richard Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino are also backing the tourney. — Joey Villar

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