The Philippines, with younger, stronger players in tow, hopes to fare better in the 40th Chess Olympiad slated Aug. 27 to Sept. 10 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Prospero “Butch” Pichay, newly reelected president and chair of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, said he is optimistic that the Filipinos will do well in both the open and women section of the biennial event.
Pichay was unanimously given a fresh mandate with secretary general and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino during the NCFP elections held recently at the Department of Education Central Office in Pasig City.
Elected as vice presidents were lawyer Ruel Canobas (Luzon), Rep. Neri Colmenares (Visayas) and lawyer Cliburn Orbe (Mindanao).
Also retaining their posts were Red Dumuk (treasurer), Judge Gonzalo Mapili (auditor), GM Jayson Gonzales (executive director) and Casto “Toti” Abundo (Fide representative).
Other elected member of the NCFP board of trustees were Rommel Tacorda, Louie Ramos, Asec Tonisito Umali, Ruel Canobas, lawyer Edmundo Legaspi, Raymond Linsangan, Raul Molintas, Oriental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. and engineer Joselito Legaspi.
Pichay is pinning his hopes on Grandmasters Wesley So and Oliver Barbosa, currently the country’s highest rated players.
So will be trying to extend his reign in the fifth Battle of Grandmasters set in Boracay and Kalibo, Aklan, from July 15-25.