Manila — International Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad will spearhead a strong cast of chess players vying for the championship in the Grandmaster Rosendo Carreon Balinas Jr. Fide-Rated Open Chess Championship slated on Sunday, September 29, at the Pavilion Mall, Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City.
The 68-year-old Bagamasbad, a two-time Asian Seniors champion, looms as the player to beat in the seven-round Swiss system tournament.
The tournament, sponsored by Dr. Joe Balinas, Engr. Antonio Balinas and the Balinas family, offers a total prize of P50,000 with the champion pocketing P15,000.
Out to challenge Bagamasmad are International Masters Chito Garma, Michael Concio Jr. and Chris Ramayrat; Fide Masters Mario Mangubat, Ivan Travis Cu and Randy Segarra; and National Masters Romeo Alcodia, Homer Cunanan, Davin Sean Romualdez and Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., the founding president of the organizing Bayanihan Chess Club.
The event is also supported by Atty. Juman Paa, AGM Reu Gabriel Sebolino of Sicilian Prodigy, Wagish Rai of IntChess Asia and IDIM DIY Bakery.
Online registration fee is P500 which can be sent through Gcash number 09613396015 (Jolina Icao) while the onsite registration fee is P600. TMT