The 3rd Governor Henry S. Oaminal Open Chess Festival is set Nov.4-5 at the Asenso Global Gardens, Hoyohoy, Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines.
At stake is nearly half a million pesos in cash prizes.
Defending champion is the country’s newest GM candidate Daniel Quizon, playing under the guidance of Dasmariñas Mayor Jenny Barzaga and Coun. Kiko Barzaga, who won the 2nd Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Open Rapid Chess Tournament last July.
Also competing in the tournament are GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., GM Darwin Laylo, IM Michael Concio jr., IM Rolando Nolte, IM Ronald Bancod, IM Joel Pimentel, FM Roel Abelgas and FM Christian Gian Karlo Arca.
Others vying in the event are IM Rico Mascarinas, IM Eric Labog jr., FM Austin Jacob literatus, FM Victor Lluch, FM David Elorta, Sherwin Tiu, Atty. Jason Bandal and US chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr.
World Chess Hall of Famer and Asia’s First Grandmaster Eugene Torre is expected to lead the ceremonial moves along with Gov. Henry S. Oaminal, Mayor Henry Oaminal, Jr. and Rep. Sancho Fernando Oaminal.
At least P428,000 in cash prizes will be given away to the winners of the FIDE rapid rated competition, with the open champion receiving P50,000 top purse. The Top 20 players will also get consolation prizes.
Cash prizes are also at stake for the winners in the Under-13, Top U-17 , Top Misamis Occidental and the blitz chess champion.
‘With nearly ₱500,000 in cash prizes and a range of exciting surprises, this event upholds the proud tradition of Misamis Occidental tournaments and promises an unforgettable experience. Delight in the presence of Asia’s first Grandmaster eugene torre, along with 30 Grandmasters, International Masters, FIDE Masters, and National Masters who have registered early for this prestigious FIDE-rated open tournament. Before the Open Tournament, witness an exhilarating Armageddon Blitz Battle featuring Philippine champions, along with a simultaneous exhibition by top Grandmasters and national champions’ said tournament director arena online grandmaster Engr. Rey Cris Urbiztondo.
“In line with the celebration of the 95th Provincial Anniversary of Asenso Misamis Occidental, it will be held on November 4-5 at the scenic world class mountain top resort of Asenso Global Gardens in Tangub City, just above the newly opened longest bridge of Mindanao, Panguil bay bridge,’ Urbiztondo said.
For details, contact, Urbiztondo at 09999990374 or Stephen Sean Daral at 09478918112.-Marlon Bernardino-