Pacquiao backs Asian chess tilt

THE STAGING of the Asian Continental Chess Championship  got a massive boost with boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao throwing his support behind the event slated May 18 to 27 at Midas Hotel in Pasay City.

Appearing at a recent PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate, Grandmaster Eugene Torre, who is co-organizing the event, announced that the tournament will now be known as the Manny Pacquiao Cup.

Among those expected to see action in the tournament are top players from China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and the former Soviet

Republics.

“This will be a historic event because one of the world’s sporting icons, Manny Pacquiao, is supporting us,” said Torre.  We will make sure it becomes a successful event.”

Torre said the nine-round Swiss system tounament, which stakes $100,000 in prize money, serves as the last qualifying tournament for the 2013 World Cup in August in Norway.

The top five in the men’s division and the winner in the women’s division will earn slots to the World Cup. In case previous qualifiers win or finish among the top five, then the next best player gets the slot.

“We are all very excited. I hope a Filipino qualifies for the World Cup,” said Torre.