Lipa City, Batangas - Chess hall-of-famer Grandmaster Eugene Torre has been invited as guest of honor during the opening ceremony of the JCI Senate Lipa Open rapid chess tournament on Monday, June 17, here at Lipa Convention Center.

Organized by the JCI Senate Lipa and supported by Mayor Eric Africa, former Vice Mayor Kuya Boy Manguerra and Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers - PSME past president Engr. Roger Reyes, the tournament offers a total cash purse of P222,000.

The one-day rapid chess event also features a team competition and a division for 18 years old and below (youth division).

Tournament director Danilo "Danny" Reyes said the tournament aims is to promote the game of chess, especially among the youth while facilitating the development of the talented enthusiasts' skills and confidence.

"Part of providing support to our athletes is giving them the opportunity to see the people who inspire them," Reyes said.

The event is also part of the celebration for Lipa City's foundation day anniversary

"The other goal is to produce future champions and Grandmasters," he added.

Reyes said budding chess players will also have a chance to meet in person a certified chess legend in Torre.

Torre, who earned his GM title in 1974, has played for the Philippine Olympiad team for a record 23 times and won three individual medals on board one: a silver at Nice in 1974 and bronze medals at Malta in 1980 and Dubai in 1986).

Reyes said that among the chess players who have registered early for the tournament are the teams of GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr., team of GM Darwin Laylo, team of IM Angelo Abundo Young, team of IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad, team of IM Chito Garma, team of IM Michael Concio Jr., team of FM Mark Jay Bacojo, team of WFM Allaney Jia Doroy, team of WFM Shania Mae Mendoza team of NM Gladimir Chester Romero and team of NM Jasper Faeldonia.

In the 18 years old and below (youth division), 10 years old Henrick Marello Bolaños, a Grade 5 pupil of Kalalake Elementary School- Olongapo City but native of San Jose Batangas and 13 years old King Alexander Oseña, a Grade 7 pupil of San Antonio National High School are among the entries that includes 10 years old Raydhien Miguel Bautista and Kiara Burgos.

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