GM-led squads are title faves

TEAMS powered by grandmasters are expected to figure prominently when the P2-million Bobby D. Pacquiao Random Chess Festival gets going today at SM Mall in General Santos City.

Heavily picked to pick up the P500,000 top purse are Team Novelty Chess Club headed by GM Joey Antonio, Bobby Pacquiao Team A led by GM Jayson Gonzales, Team Elegant Houses of GM Darwin Laylo, and Team Batt of GM Richard Bitoon.

Also highly rated in the event that also stakes P280,000 to the runner-up and P170,000 to the third placer are the Davao-based Dimatutucan Team of International Master Oliver Dimakiling and Elman B of IM Rolando Nolte.

Event organizer GM Eugene Torre said a total of 60 teams have joined the team event which will run up to Feb. 23.

Also on tap are the rapid individual competition on Feb. 24 and 25 and the blitz individual contest on Feb. 26.