GM Eugene Torre to grace the Asenso Ozamis Open Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 04 Jul 2025
Eugene Torre, the first Chess Grandmaster in Asia and a Hall of Famer, has confirmed that he will be a guest speaker at the Asenso Ozamis Open Chess Tournament on July 12-13,2025 at the City Gymnasium, Ozamis City.
Tournament Director Arena Grandmaster/Engr. Rey Urbiztondo is instrumental in bringing GM Torre to grace the tournament, which is held as part of the celebration of the 77th Charter Anniversary of Ozamis Foundation and The Feast of Nuestra Sra. Dela Concepcion Y Del Triunfo De Migpangi.
Torre will be joined to do the ceremonial moves along with Gov. Henry Oaminal, Mayor Atty. Sam Fuentes, Congressman Indy and Ando Oaminal and National Chess Federation of the Philippines CEO/Executive Director FST GM Jayson Gonzales.
"Part of providing support to our athletes is giving them the opportunity to see the people who inspire them," Urbiztondo said.
Torre, Asia's First Grandmaster in 1974, is a member of the Philippine Olympiad team a record 23 times, who won three individual medals on board one (silver at Nice 1974 and a bronze at Malta 1980 and Dubai 1986) which is busy embarking on a grassroots program for chess.
A total of P505,000 up for grabs in three divisions National Chess Federation of the Philippines sanctioned tournament.
The champion in the Open division will earn P50,000, while the winner in the high school and elementary division will get P30,000 each.
The event will feature an impressive lineup of chess stars, including Grandmasters Daniel Quizon, Rogelio Antonio Jr. and Darwin Laylo, International Masters Rolando Nolte, Michael Concio Jr., Ronald Bancod, Kim Steven Yap, IM elect Christian Gian Karlo Arca, FMs Ellan Asuela and Vince Alaan.
Also competing are the Philippine women's team headed by lone Filipina Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna.
Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao chess players are set to face their Visayas counterparts again in a grudge rematch after a dominant performance in last year's chess festival held here in Ozamis City.
Last year's victory for the home squad was so decisive that Visayas players based in Cebu City are seeking a third showdown, aiming for a decider since they won the first encounter two years ago.-Marlon Bernardino-
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