Mindanao's biggest chess tournament slated in Ozamis City
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 24 Jun 2023
MANILA---The provincial government headed by Governor Atty. Henry S. Oaminal Sr., in cooperation with the newly created Misamis Occidental Federated Chess Association, is holding a chess tournament on July 8 and 9 at the City Auditorium, Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental.
Dubbed as Asenso Misamis Occidental National Open Chess Tournament, is part of the province’s youth development program, and one of the biggest chess tournaments in Mindanao, hosted by City Mayor Atty. Henry F. Oaminal Jr. and Congressman Sancho Fernando F. Oaminal in celebration of the 75th Charter Anniversary of Ozamiz City.
This is in line with the sports program of Asenso Misamis Occidental Team.
Gov. Oaminal Sr., said the activity aims to promote and develop chess in the province and further discover, improve and enhance the hidden talents of both young and adult chess players.
"It's going to be a grandiose chess competition with the number of players expected to join," said Online Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo, the event's organizer.
Urbiztondo, a board member of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), also invited the players from Misamis Oriental who ruled the Charter Day Inter-Agency event in Cagayan de Oro.
"Yes, we'll be going there (Ozamiz City) not only to compete but to forge unity and camaraderie with our chess fellows in Misamis Occidental," said Benoni Wabe, founder of the Golden Chess Friends (GCF) that holds monthly chess events in Cagayan de Oro to develop talented youths in Mindanao.
International Masters Angelo Abundo Young (Manila), Ronald Bancod (Las Pinas City), Rolando Nolte (Quezon City) and Joel Pimentel (Bacolod City), Fide Master Christopher Castellano (Cainta, Rizal), National Master Levi Martuña (Pagadian City), Arena Grandmaster Lyndon Lumancas (CDO) , top non-master Johnnel Balquin (Misamis Oriental) and Elvis Longjas (Dipolog City) have signified their intention to join the event offering PHP30,000 to the champion.
Around 300 woodpushers are taking part in the two-day tournament which offers a total of PHP200,000 in cash prizes is at stake in the FIDE Standard tournament.
Asia's first Grandmaster and World Chess Hall of Famer Eugene Torre has been invited to hold a simultaneous game against select homegrown young players during the two-day competition.
The chess festival is finalizing the Friendly Match of PECA NCR/Luzon versus PECA Mindanao composed of executives and professionals on the same date, July 8,2023 from 8-10 PM.
Tournament Arbiter is former NCFP board of director Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Barrios lucky to keep title
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 21 Jul 2025Allan Cantonjos rules Dipolog FIDE Standard chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 21 Jul 2025PHI GenTri Chess Players to Wave Philippine Flag in Hong Kong
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 21 Jul 2025Filipino Pride and the Art of Hero Worship
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 21 Jul 2025Manny Pacquiao vs. Logic
By Mark F. Villanueva, Sun, 20 Jul 2025McTavish a proud Filipino
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 20 Jul 2025GM Antonio rules Taiwan blitz chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Jul 2025History Slips From Pacquiao's Hands as Barrios Fight Ends in Majority Draw
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025Fundora Dominates Tszyu: "Towering Inferno" Retains Title in Strategic Masterclass
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025PITBULL CRUZ DOMINATES OMAR SALCEDO TO WIN WBC 140 LB INTERIM TITLE
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025Figueroa Claims Hard-Fought Decision in Grueling War Against Gonzalez
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025MAGSAYO, MARCIAL REGISTER WINS IN LAS VEGAS
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025Pacquiao vs Barrios: Factors of consequence
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 20 Jul 2025How to Watch Pacquiao vs Barrios in the Philippines
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 20 Jul 2025Final Hours Tick Down: Pacquiao and Barrios Ready for Destiny in Las Vegas
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025