FIDE-rated chessfest opens in Cagayan de Oro

Players who regarded chess with utmost respect are beyond excited for the FIDE-rated weekend tournament beginning today, November 25.

Dubbed as the Mr. & Mrs. Leo G. Wabe Sr. Individual Standard and Team Tatluhan Blitz Chess Tournament, the three-day competition will be held at the Limketkai Mall with close to P200,000 in total cash prize, trophies and medals awaiting the winners.

“The standard event will have a one hour and 30 minutes time control,” said Lorenzo “Jun” Cuizon, who will officiate the tournament along with fellow licensed FIDE National Arbiters Joseph Gener Palero and Aldwin Daculan.

Tournament organizers Ben Wabe and Napthalie Wabe have appointed Cleto “Bong” Vasquez to act as tournament director with Arian Belly Calido as the tournament steward.

Among the players to watch in the tournament are Bacolod City native Ellan Asuela, Davao Norte pride National Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca and local bet National Master Levi Mercado.

“In remembering our late parents, it is really a dream for us to make a tribute by organizing a FIDE-rated tournament in classical style. This way, the best players with critical thinking and creativity can be determined,” Ben Wabe said.

The Individual Open will stake P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000 to the top three winners.

The Team Tatluhan Blitz, meanwhile, will have a five minutes and 3 seconds increment time control and the top three team finishers will receive P50,000, P25,000 and P15,000, respectively.