MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA)–The provincial government of Misamis Occidental Province welcomed chess grandmaster Eugene Torre and top players from Visayas and Mindanao who joined the first-ever Governor Henry Oaminal 8-in-1 chess exhibition, which kicked off on November 10 at the Ozamiz City Gymnasium.
Rey Cris Urbiztondo, director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and president of the Asenso Misamis Occidental Chess Association (AMOFCA), said the province hosts the simultaneous exhibition match with Asia’s chess Grandmaster Torre.
International Master Roderick Nava will facilitate a series of chess training sessions and lectures for the promising young players in Ozamiz.
“This is the first time that the finest from Visayas will be pitted against the best from Mindanao,” Urbiztondo said.
The tournament includes chess rapid and blitz matches across four different categories, with a total cash prize of P500,000.
Moreover, the province also organized the third tournament in partnership with the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) and the Games and Amusements Board’s Rapid Chess Champions League.
Governor Henry Oaminal, who is also a chess player, said the chess events aim to strengthen the sports development program of the province and are in support of aspiring Filipino athletes, particularly in his province.
Oaminal elaborated that chess is a very good mental and emotional game to hone a person and keep people away from drugs and other criminal activities.
He said such initiatives also push young Misamisnons to become productive citizens.
The Chess Festival was sponsored by Oaminal, while the tournaments were organized by Urbiztondo as part of the 94th provincial anniversary of Misamis Occidental.
The governor thanked visitors for sharing their talents with the people of Ozamiz and for coming to the province. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
Grandmaster and Hall of Famer, Eugene Torre showcases his exceptional chess skills in a series of simultaneous exhibition matches at Ozamiz City Gymnasium. (PGMO)
The exhibition matches are organized by the Asenso Misamis Occidental Federated Chess Association (AMOFCA) and the Rising Chess Unlimited Development Program. This collaboration is a testament to the growing popularity and enthusiasm for chess in the province of Misamis Occidental. (PGMO)
