by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—Grandmaster Darwin Rosales Laylo will spearhead a strong local cast in the 4th annual Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championships set July 9 to 11, 2021 online at Tornelo platform. This was announced by Sam Balboa, Transforming President of Rotary Club of Nuvali (photo above).
Laylo, the Philippine Army chess team top player, won the 1st and 2nd Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championship. The GM is the player to beat in the event owing to his impressive performance in the past.
“Words don’t even describe how excited I am to be playing for the 4th annual Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championships, “said Laylo, part of the Coaching staff of Dasmarinas chess team.
“A privilege and an honour and I’ll do my very best,” was the last word of Laylo, one of the mainstays of PCAP’s Pasig City King Pirates.
“The event is the biggest national online chess event in the country. This is indeed a big help for the promotion of chess. I would like to really thank my good friend, BAVI President Ronald Daniel Mascarinas for annually sponsoring this event” according to Transforming President of the Rotary Club of Nuvali Sam Balboa.
“Exciting times ahead for Philippine chess. The proceeds of this event will go to the charity projects of the Rotary Club of Nuvali,” added online Arena Grandmaster Dr. Fred Paez.
Backed up by BAVI President and General Manager Ronald Daniel Ricaforte Mascariñas in partnership with Rotary Club of Nuvali, the tournament offers P100,000 to the Open champion. The second to fifth placers will receive P75,000, P50,000, P30,000 and P25,000 respectively. Sixth to 10th placer will pocket P10,000 each.
Cash prizes worth P10,000 each awaits the category winners for the Top Under 2100 and below, Top Under 2000 and below, Top Under 1900 and below, Top Under 1800 and Top Under 1700 and below.
Also on tap are Womens, Executive, Junior Boys, Girls, Kiddies Boys and Kiddies Girls divisions with the winner pocketing P10,000, P10,000, P7,000, P7,000, P5,000 and P5,000 in that order.
Others vying in the event are GM Mark Paragua, IM Ricardo de Guzman, IM Barlo Nadera, FM David Elorta, FM Nelson “Elo” Mariano III, FM Randy Segarra, FM Robert Suelo Jr. , NM Glennen Artuz and US master Rodolfo “Jun” Panopio Jr.
Registration will end on July 5, 2021. For further inquiries, kindly contact any of the following: Mr. Sam Balboa – 09985530477, Engr. Troy Coria – 09234687524, Mr. Noel Balderas – 09171370430, Mr. Jalbert Vilan – 09097159245 and AGM Dr. Fred Paez – 09212728172.