Best of the best to see action in 2nd Hector Ginete chessfest

CEBU, Philippines —  International Masters Joel Pimentel, Rico Mascarinas, and Kim Steven Yap banner the list of star-studded contenders in the 2nd Hector Ginete Chess Championships slated on April 1-2 at the Cebu Chess Hub in SM Seaside City.

Out to give the three IMs a run for their money are National Master Merben Roque, Richard Natividad, Allan Pason, Rommel and Ronald Ganzon, Bonn Rainauld Tibod, and Joel Pacuribot.

Also in the mix for the coveted title are the likes of Venancio Loyola Jr., Christopher Tubalado, Joselito Loquez, and Bhell Ortiz among others.

Over 50 players have already registered for the two-day tilt spearheaded by US-based Cebuano chess patron Hector Ginete, the No.1 varsity player of the University of San Carlos (USC)-North Campus during his elementary and high school days.

“Malipayon kaayo ko nga daghan ang mi-support sa ako tournament ilabi na kay nakakuha kini og atensiyon sa mga top players sa Cebu. Gusto ra gyud ko nga mopaluyo sa Cebu chess kung asa ko nagsugod,” said Ginete.

The top 10 qualifiers after the five-round Swiss system elimination on Saturday, April 1, will advance to the championship stage the following day.

Cash prizes will be given away to the top 10 finishers. There will also be incentives for the top 3 kiddies (13-under) and top lady and senior performers. — EBV