Fide Master titles at stake for AAGCC champs
FIDE Master (FM) titles will be up for grabs when the 19th Asean+ AgeGroup Chess Championships unfurls on June 19 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) regional director James Infiesto, in yesterday's press conference at the Hari Hall of The Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday, said, "The gold medalists of this championships will earn FM titles as confirmed by the (Asean Chess Confederation president) Ignatius Leong."
Infiesto, who is also an international chess arbiter, said international master (IM) titles will also be at stake.
"Kaya po tayo dadayuhin dito," the Dabawenyo chess executive said.
Leong, for his part, said that he was very impressed with the city of Davao as host of this year's edition of the annual chessfest.
"To see cops on the street means that the city must be very safe and I've seen posts on social media about how clean Davao City is. I met with the tourism officials, I'm impressed with the warmth," Leong said.
He, however, hopes that Davao City will give its "fullest support" to the tournament as it will not just promote sports but tourism as well.
Asean Age-Group Chess Philippines president Arnold Allanigui, for his part, said 350 to 500 woodpushers from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, South Korea, Switzerland and Denmark among others.
"Hoping na mas marami pa po ang sasali. All of them are excited to see Davao. We will have exciting activities set for everyone during our social night. We will be bringing in the best circus act from Manila and chess players per country will perform," Allanigui said.
Infiesto added that Vietnam will be coming in full force with over 120 officials and players.
The event will feature standard, blitz and rapid events for open and girls under eight, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 categories.
A side event for seniors is also entered.
The Philippines last hosted the Asean+ AgeGroup Chess Championships last 2010 in Subic with 267 entries from nine participating countries.