By Kim Amante Chua
ROXAS CITY – One hundred twenty Capizeño chess players from Roxas City and different municipalities in Capiz will fight it out in the 3rd Touch Move Individual Chess Blitz Tournament held on the 2nd floor Robinsons Place here, March 26.
The said chessfest is an all-Capiznon men and women, sponsored by Imprinta Advertising Services and organized by the Capiznon Chess Club, Inc. lead by its president Engr. Junnel Almaquer and vice pres. Niel Panelo.
Among the participants were aspiring young chess players from elementary, secondary, collegiate and even professionals.
Francisco Lamayo Jr., a public school teacher from Cuartero National High School and a recent champion said, “This is anybody’s board game considering each and everyone have their own preparation on the forthcoming tournament.”
“You cannot discount the young guys, they have their own game plan at the 64-square of the chessboard,” Lamayo added.
Expected to join were aspiring woodpushers Chester Acuyong of Capiz National High School (CNHS) in Roxas City, Mark Jason Rada of Sapian town, Rhean Deslate Barrosa of Hercor College, Arnamel John Gallegos and Abraham Clint Pontino, both of Capiz State University (CapSU); and Mark Alfonso Azaola, now at Hua Siong College in Iloilo City.
The veterans will test the mettle of the young chess prodigy, bannered by experienced woodpushers Francisco Lamayo Jr. of the municipality of Mambusao, Rene Cabataña of Sapian town, Patrick Panaligan of the municipality of Panay; and Allan Tutica, Lumar Avelino, Felixberto Baguyo Jr., Winston Clyde Ramos, Kenneth Calvez, Star FM DJ Joe Hammer, iFM DJ Joseph Silvias, Joesel Tumanon, Engr. Jonathan Jao and Engr. Michael Falsis, all in Roxas City.
According to Capiz National Master Francis Jocson, “this tournament sponsored by Imprinta Advertising Services owned by a chess player Edward Basilonia, a former chess organizer and now a chess patron is a great avenue to promising chess players and to all chess fanatics to share their talents.”
“I know, chess tournament is not a crowd drawer compared to ballgames and other contact sports. But this tournament is a battle of the great thinkers in the province of Capiz, I love it,” Edward Basilonia quipped.
In the said battle, FIDE Arbiter (FA) Hanz Tutica and National Arbiter (NA) Felizardo Espino Jr., both Capiznon will serve as chief and assistant arbiters, respectively.
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