1 vs 600

(Photo sourced from pinoychessinforme, as tipped off by Chess Windows Laguna correspondent Anthony Navarro.)

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

TWO-TIME OLYMPIAN Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales considers the delay in his attempt to break the world record in simultaneous chess exhibition a blessing in disguise.

“Mas may time pa ako para maging mas kondisyon,” Gonzales said.

The two-time Olympian will try to beat the mark set by Iranian GM Morteza Mahjoob simultaneous chess on July 31 to August 1 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Mahjoob did the trick last August 13 when he faced 500 opponents at the Engelab Sports Complex in Tehran, Iran.
An equivalent to 80-percent of the number of participants is the minimum required score in the ultimate test for mind and body endurance.

“Stamina is critical in simultaneous exhibition. Kahit winning ka sa lahat ng boards kung kakapusin ka rin towards the end talo ka pa rin,” said Gonzales.

“When you’re tired prone ka sa blunder eh.”

Gonzales walks and jogs for four hours twice a day at the University of the Philippines-Diliman to prepare himself for the arduous task.

Mahjoob walked around 40 kilometers before finishing all his matches in his record-breaking feat.

For inquiry, call or text tournament organizers Noli Cruz of Touch of Gold Enterprises at 0929-835-7770 or email address: nsc8181@yahoo.com and Roberto “Robbie” Pangilinan, Diliman Preparatory School media head at 0290-953-4559 or gtcsports@yahoo.com for complete details.