The Chess Battle of Champions kicked off on Saturday at Robinsons Place Palawan featuring local players in three categories.
Councilor Jimbo Maristela said the chess tournament will be nine rounds to be played in three consecutive Saturdays, with the top 12 players competing in the championship round on December 7.
Maristela said that this is also in line with the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.
“Marami kasing nagta-tanong bakit kapag pista ay walang chess. Kaya naisipan na magkaroon na ng chess tournament, which is three rounds every Saturday. Ang mapipili na top 12 ay sila ang magla-laban sa championship sa December 7. It is also in line sa pista ng lungsod sa December 8,” he said.
The tournament includes three categories such as open category for 18 years old and above; Kiddies category under 12; and Juniors category, 13 to 17 years old.
City sports director Atty. Rocky Austria is hopeful that the chess competition will continue for the next years.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy ito kasi katulad ngayon ay papasok na naman ang MIMAROPA [level after city meet], may Palarong Pambansa, Batang Pinoy, marami pang parating kaya dapat palagi tayong handa sa iba’t ibang larangan,” Austria said.
The event was organized by city sports office and Tandikan Chess Club Inc., supported by Maristela.
The open category champion can win up to P5,000; Kiddie category, P3,000; and Juniors, P3,000 with trophies.
