Four international chess events

Based on the calendar of events released by the NCFP, the Philippines will host four international chess tournaments in 2009:

- Asian Continental/Individual (May 12-23, Olangapo City)
- 2nd Subic International Open (May 24-30, Olangapo City)
- 4th PGMA Cup (September 24-30, Duty Free, Manila)
- 5th Pichay International Open (October 1-8, Bacolod City)

I am hoping that Shell Corp. will heed the call to stage its own international chess tournament in the future to provide our local chess talents at least five international events.

I am optimistic, too, that we could raise the number to six in the not so distant future. Manny Pacquiao is within reach to make it possible.

This year, however, why don’t we make the holding of each international event technologically at par with how the Dresden Olympiad was staged? (It’s just a wish, you know.)

Also, I’m expecting to see new faces and stronger foreign GMs to come. It somehow feels boring to see same faces again and again.