CHESS patron Wilhem Joey “Steinitz” Ardiente will bring in a solid lineup of Cebu-based woodpushers and other notable players from various parts of the country to take part in this weekend’s Mayor Jojo “JOPAL” Palma and Atty. Titing Albaño Cup chess tournament in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur.
The tournament is held in line with the Badak Festival celebration in Zamboanga del Sur. It is a national open chess tournament with big cash prizes at stake.
The Cebu-based woodpushers are International Master (IM) Kim Steven Yap, National Master (NM) Rommel Ganzon, Richard Natividad, Michael Joseph Pagaran, Erwin Ababat, National Master (NM) Merben Roque and Jhonnel Balquin.
Joining them will be IM Joel Pimentel of Bacolod City, father and son tandem of FIDE Master (FM) Hamen Nouri and FM Alekhine Nouri, FM Victor Lluch of Iligan City, FM David Elorta of Manila, NM Rustom Tolentino of Cagayan De Oro, NM Bob Jones Liwagon of General Santos City, NM Mardonio Fuentes of Ozamis City, NM Levi Martuña of Pagadian City and other top woodpushers from Mindanao.
The champion will take home P30,000 and a trophy while the second and third placers will receive P20,000 and P10,000, respectively.