PH’s top players to join Jorda Open Rapid chess

MANILA – The country’s top chess players, led by 13-time Philippine Open champion GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., will see action in the Danilo Jorda FIDE-rated Open Rapid tournament beginning Feb. 25 at the Arton Strip Rockwell Mall on Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.

Also joining the event to be held in cooperation with the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) and the Bayanihan Chess Club (BCC) are defending Asian Senior (65 over category) champion IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad, IM Barlo Nadera, IM Hamed Nouri, IM Angelo Young, FM Alekhine Nouri, FM Adrian Ros Pacis, FM Noel Dela Cruz, WFM Allaney Jia Doroy and National Masters Jose Aquino Jr., Romeo Alcodia, Edmundo Gatus, Michael Gotel, Lorenzo Aaron Cantela and Oscar Joseph Cantela.

The organizers have invited Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre as guest of honor during the opening ceremony starting at 10 a.m..

Jorda, a chess player based in Carson City, California; BBC legal counsel Rodolfo Enrique “Rudy” Rivera, and IIEE national past president Allan Anthony Alvarez will also deliver messages.

CM Genghis Imperial, Noel Jay Estacio, Vic Alfaro, Ronald Donasco, Julian Paul Querubin, Dionisio Urbina Jr., Evaristo Tizon, Seth Heherson Flores, Christine Alayon, John Michael Urbina, Juan Samson Cantela, Lee Santos, Anthony Bustonera, Arnel Espiritu Sr., Matthew Gunnar Gotel and Trustee Icao have also registered as participants.

The tournament is supported by New York-based Engr. Gerry Gamaro, Sentro Artista Director Marjorie Ruiz and engineers Art Maurera of Eurolux, Ervin Fernandez of Genikos, Butch Florido and Efren Rocamora, Travis Vincent Chua, lawyer Juman Paa, Nova Wellness Store and Starshots Coffee.