For the first time, players of chess in the City of Puerto Princesa will wage war in a grand battle this December 7 at Robinsons Mall Palawan.
The qualifying event already started last Nov. 16, and on Nov 23 and 30, they need to pass the 9 rounds wherein the highest scorers will join the grand battle of champions.
The Chess Battle of Champions is organized by Tandikan Chess Club with over 150 members all over the province of Palawan.
The premiere tournament has three categories: Kiddies, for those aged 12 years old and below; Junior, that ranges from 13 to 17 years old; and the open category that is open for 18 years old and above.
The club was founded in 2007, but this is the first time they are organizing a big contest with the support of City Sports Office headed by Atty. Rocky Austria and Councilor Peter “Jimbo” Maristela.
They are expecting 80 to 100 players and chess masters to join.
The Champion in Kiddie and Junior Categories will receive P3,000 cash and trophy, First Runner Up is getting P2,000 cash while the second placer will receive P1,000, plus two consolation prize winners in each category who will take home 1 brand new chess set.
For the Open Category, the grand champion will receive P5,000 cash prize and trophy, second place P3,000 and P2,000 for the third placer, and additional two winners for consolation.
The tournament for the elimination is observing a Rapid Chess rules with time control of 30 minutes per player for a total of 1 hour per game. This is free and only open to Chess aficionados residing in Puerto Princesa or any municipality in Palawan.
Chess Battle for Champion 2019 tournament director is Tommy Escalante, and Rey Joy Bartolay, both Tandikan Chess Club arbiter, supervised by their President, Epitacio Lao, Jr.