Call for participants: 1ST NPC MEDIA CHESS TOURNAMENT

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THE National Press Club (NPC) secretariat is still accepting participants for the first National Press Club Media Chess Tournament dubbed as Massacre in November will be held at the Plaridel Hall of the NPC on November 27 and 28.

According to NPC president Jerry S. Yap, the two-day event is set to commemorate the massacre of 32 journalists that took place on November 23, 2009 in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on November and at the same time strengthening the camaraderie among newsmen who love chess.

Open to all journalists from television, radio and print entities but who are not rated by FIDE, NCFP (amateur player) and not known to be a player of advanced caliber and it will be a seven-round Swiss system with all the players required to make all the necessary moves within 30 minutes only.

Among the early entries are Joey Villar of the Philippine Star, Danilo Ambrosio of Bulgar and Orland Primo of Police Files and X-Files.

The champion getting P5,000, second P4,000, third P3,000, fourth P2,000, and fifth P1,000. Each of those who end up sixth to tenth shall get P500. Top senior player, aged 50 and up, and top female player shall each get an additional prize of P500.

Those interested must submit proofs as journalists and register at the NPC secretariat. Look for Fely Santos and Mae Briones. They may also do so by emailing their intention and attached proofs to tournament director RP and US chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. at marlon.bernardino2008@gmail.com or nationalpressclub@yahoo.com, on the condition that hard copies of the required proofs are submitted at most a day before the tournament.

Chief arbiter is international arbiter and national master Erwin Carag and assisted by Fide Master Christopher Castellano and Gatz Luz.