9th Non-masters Chess tourney

WOODPUSHERS from around the country are set to conquer the city anew with the staging of the 9th Baguio Centermall Non-masters Chess tournament scheduled on March 21 to 22.

Two divisions will be played anew in the tournament, which will be bannered by the open division and the kiddie divisions.

The chess tournament is open to all untitled chess players with F.I.D.E rules to be applied in the seven round Swiss system tournament.

The open category will be open to those aged 13 years old and above while the kiddie category will pit children who are 12 years old and below.

Early registrants will be charged P150 as registration fee for the open category and P120 for the kiddie category while those players who opt to register during the game proper will be charged P250 for the open and P200 for the kiddie category.

The champion in the open category will receive P7,000 plus a trophy while the 2nd and 3rd placers will be given P5,000 and P3,000, respectively, including their trophies. The fourth and fifth placers will receive P1,500 and P1,000, respectively while 6th to 10th placers will receive P500 each.

The champion in the kiddie division will receive P5,000 including a trophy while the 2nd and 3rd placer will get P3,000 and P2,000, respectively plus trophies. The 4th and 5th placers will have P1,000 and P800, respectively, while the 6th to 10th places finishers will receive P500 each.

Special prices will also be given to the top junior 13-19 years old, top lady and the top senior players.

Arnie Ignacio, the event's coordinator said the purpose of the event is to promote the board games of chess and Scrabble especially among the youth while facilitating the development of the talented enthusiast's skills and confidence.

"Their skills and strategies will surely be highly-tested in these tournaments with a chance of bringing home cash prizes and trophies but will have the privilege of representing our community," Ignacio said.

Registration forms are currently available at the Chess Gallery located at the fourth floor of the Baguio Center Mall until March 18 from 10 am to 7 pm; and for inquiries, participants may call Ignacio at 444-9346 or 4449712. SOURCE: SunStar