Asean chess offers IM titles,GM norms

MANILA, Philippines — International, FIDE Master titles and Grandmaster norms will be staked when the Philippines hosts the 19th Association of Southeast Asian Nation Age Group Chess Championships from June 17-27 in Davao City.

ASEAN Chess Confederation president Ignatius Leong made the announcement in a press conference hosted by the Phl Sports Commission yesterday saying the awarding of norms was re-implemented in the last staging of the annual meet in Malaysia last year.

“Winners of all age categories will get IM or FM titles outright,” said Leong, who was accompanied by PSC commissioner Charles Maxie, National Chess Federation of the Phl officials headed by Butch Pichay, national coach Jayson Gonzales and organizing committee chair James Infiesto.

Maxie said the PSC along with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte is fully committed to support the 11-day tournament for players aged 20 years and below.

“We support the tournament because we’re one with the NCFP to produce more Grandmasters and maybe another Eugene Torre or Wesley So,” said Maxie.

Pichay, meanwhile, said preparations are under way with the local players currently in the thick of preparations for the event.

The country is seeking to duplicate its first-place finish in Malaysia with 83 golds, 37 silvers and 29 bronze medals.