Grandmasters, IMs test skill of young players

Grandmasters Rogelio Antonio Jr., John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo will test the mettle of the country’s rising stars in The Search for the Next Wesley So invitational active chess tournament set March 24 and 25 at Alphaland Makati Place in Ayala Avenue corner Malugay Street.

They will be joined by International Masters Jan Emmanuel Garcia, Roderick Nava and Joel Pimentel in their collision with the youth brigade composed of 8-year-old Al-Basher “Basty” Buto, Michael Concio Jr., Mark Jay Bacojo, Daniel Quizon, Jerlyn Mae San Diego and Kylen Joy Mordido.

The event, hosted by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chair and president Surigao del Sur. Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. in cooperation with Alphaland Makati Place, offers the champion P20,000.

Organized by NCFP treasurer lawyer Cliburn Anthony A. Orbe, the event aims to develop the country’s young stars and help sharpen their skills.

“Exciting times ahead for Philippine chess,” said Orbe, founding president of the Philippine Executive Chess Association.

Six digital game technology electronic boards will be used, according to Orbe, making it possible for all the games to be broadcast live worldwide through the YouTube channel of the NCFP. —ROY LUARCA