1st Philippine Internet Team Chess Match

In one of my earlier posts, I stated that it might take a genius for the local team chess tournaments to veer away from being financier-based.

In the present state of Philippine chess, a lot of talents have simply gone untapped - and therefore have become stagnant - for lack of financial support.

Just look at the recently concluded 2011 Inter-Provincial Team Chess tourney that was held in the beautiful soil of Aklan, so many local talents weren't there for obvious reasons we all know.

Logistics and money play a key role in over-the-board team chess competitions. Plane fares, hotel accommodation, food, etc., it's no joke organizing and sending a team to national inter-team events.

And so here it is, a move that could probably solve this challenging situation. Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for a historic revolution in Philippine chess. Make way for the 1st Philippine Internet Team Chess Match.

Sounds new to the ear? Don't panic. Anything new always entails either excitement or apprehension.

One thing for sure is that it's something first in the Philippines, notably an initiative by private groups and individuals.

And what a beautiful feeling, what an amazing experience, a Pinoy can get from being part of this historic moment.

Truly I say unto you, I'm proud for being part of this new stage.

On April 16, 2011, a milestone in Philippine chess history takes a new leap - that is, two Philippine chess clubs, which are mountains and seas apart, will clash in cyberspace for a team match.

And so, the names Barangay Wesley Chess Club and Metro Toril Chess Club shall be forever etched in the history of Philippine Chess as the two chess club that made it happen.

Be proud BW members! Be proud Toril chess club members!

This article would be truly unjust without mentioning two key persons who have shown exceptional passion - and action - to make this momentous project a reality.

Roll the read carpet, please. Let's salute Capt. Norlito Sepulvida (a.k.a sugardom) of Barangay Wesley and Atty. Jong Guevarra (a.k.a. metrolirot) of Metro Toril Chess Club. These two gentlemen simply have a moving touch.

A special event calls for special persons. And so, this tournament will be graced by two very young Pinoy chess heroes. The country's youngest reigning NM and youngest junior champion ever FM Paulo Bersamina will lead Barangay Wesley on Board 1 while equally talented ASEAN Age-Group champion Austin Jacob Literatus will man Board 1 for Metro Toril Chess Club.

The 12-board games will take place over chesscube.com. The warriors of Capt. Sepulvida will be housed in Robinsons in Imus Cavite while the group of Atty. Guevarra will make their fortress in an Internet cafe in Davao City.

The match shall be played in two rounds, with a time control of 25m/10s.

Don't forget that the real beauty of this project is well grounded on trust, friendship and a burning passion for chess.

Let's start spreading the good vibes.

Here are the names of those who will be part of this historic event:

Barangay Wesley:

CG Handle Ccube Handle
1 Spartan1998 Paulo Bersa
2 Aguilito aguilito
3 Fischer22 (to be announced)
4 Nanobrain nanobrain
5 Rick77 sniper007
6 Doji doji
7 Cirbals cirbals
8 Tresmaster tresmaster
9 Bartolome bw-bartolome
10 Epistle epistle
11 angelofdeath angelofdeath
12 Fierychess fierychess

Reserves:
Pulsar bw-pulsar
Pinoymaster77 pinoymaster77
Kidsgambit2 kidsgambit22
Rusticbull rusticbull
Deadly deadly
Kardopov kardopov
Daricastro (to be announced)
Regge

Metro Toril-Davao:

Name chesscube handle
1. FM elect Austin Jacob Literatus - austinjacob
2.FM elect John Ray Batucan - santos26
3. Jimmy Dano - caissa_dan
4. Nofre Reyes - docryan
5.Engr. Werner Priete - final_fantasy
6.Alfred Moulic - moulicule
7.Atty. Jong Guevarra Jr. - bw-metrolirot
8.Chris Yap - chriswhiz
9.Neptali Batucan - onepeace
10.Anthony Mosqueda - chesswonder
11.Engr. Napoleon Recososa - napsparov
12.Adrian Alain Llanos - chesscapas

Reserve:
Engr. Jun Atmosfera - asfora665 - newscaster/live blogger