Top GMs to compete in Candon Rapid Open Chess

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s top rated grandmasters are set to compete in the 2013 Candon Rapid Open Chess Championship this weekend.

Among the expected participants are Grandmasters (GMs) Oliver Barbosa, Darwin Laylo, Richard Bitoon, John Paul Gomez and Mark Paragua, the last year's champion.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr., NCFP Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales and Mayor Allen Singson will be guest of honor during the opening ceremony set at 9 am on March 9 at the Candon Civic Center in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

The two (2) day event (Saturday and Sunday), which is open to all ages and genders, is sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Other participants include International Masters (IMs) Oliver Dimakiling, Rolando Nolte, Ronald Dableo, and Emmanuel Senador, among others.

Prizes at stake are as follows

(Open section):

• First place P15,000

• Second place P10,000

• Third place P7,000

• Fourth place P5,000

• Fifth place P3,000

• Sixth to 10th place P2,000 each

(16-Under)

• First place P3,000

• Second place P2,000

• Third place P1,000

• Fourth place P700

• Fifth place P600

• Sixth to 10th place P500 each

(12-Under)

• First place P2,500

• Second place P1,500

• Third place P1,000

• Fourth place P700

• Fifth place P600

• Sixth to 7th place P500 each

Organizing Committee Chairman Jerry Malamion and NM Edmundo Gatus (0939-865-5151) can be contacted for more event details. -Marlon Bernardino-