Lim stages chess tilt for veterans

VETERAN players are upbeat about the chance to win huge cash prizes in the unique event dubbed “Battle of Chess Veterans.” The tournament, funded by Cebu chess patron Boogie Lim, is expected to goad players who are no longe actively playing to take up competitive chess anew on Dec. 22 and 23 at the Robinsons Galleria-Cebu.

“I’m sure to join this tournament. I know my chances of win- ning are remote but competing and playing against people you used to know is what makes this special,” said Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (Cepca) founding president Francisco “Boy” Pestaño.

Lim is organizing a tournament exclusive to players 55 to 75 years old after he turned 60 this year.

A total of P45,000 was set aside for the Rapid event that follows a seven or nine round Swiss System format depending on the number of entries. It will also use a handicapping time control of 10 minutes for Class A, 20 minutes for Class B, and 30 minutes for Class C.

The champion will go home with the top prize of P15,000, while the second placer will get P10,000. The third placer will earn P5,000, while the fourth and fifth placers will get P3,000 and P2,000, respectively.

The sixth to the 10th placers will go home with P1,000, while the 11th to the 20th placers will pocket P500 each.

Younger players, however, will not be left behind as an Open Blitz competition--which will either be a seven or nine round Swiss System tournament--will be staged simultaneously with the veterans’ tournament.