Top SEA masters to vie in Asian Zonal

Top chess masters from around Southeast Asia will see action in the FIDE Asian Zonal Chess Championship for men and women slated Feb. 25-March 5 in Tagaytay City.

“We are hosting this FIDE event to give a chance, not only for our top grandmasters to qualify, but for the many aspiring Filipinos who wish to test their skill against the best from ASEAN and neighboring countries, and try to get the FIDE IM and FM titles and improve their FIDE ratings,” said Rep. Abraham Tolentino, also the FIDE and NCFP sec-gen.

The Asian Zonal is part of the FIDE World Championship cycle and will select two players to advance to the World Cup scheduled this September in Tbilisi, Georgia. The women’s champion will qualify to the Women’s World Championship. Aside from the qualification to the World Championship cycle, at stake in the Asian Zonal is $5,000 in cash prizes.

The upcoming event is held under the auspices of the World Chess Federation ( FIDE), Asian Chess Federation, National Chess Federation is battling against of the Philippines ( NCFP) and Philippine Sports Commission.

FIDE is divided into four Continents and each Continent is subdivided into Zones. Countries in FIDE Zone 3.3 for Southeast Asia are, in alphabetical order, Brunei, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Deadline for registration in the Asian Zonal is today after which a late penalty fee shall be imposed. Inquiries for the Asian Zonal may be made to NCFP Secretariat c/o Patrick Lee at telephone 09955421266.

Among the early registrants is GM Rogelio Barcenilla.