The country’s young chess players led by FIDE Master-elect Daniel Quizon open their bids for the medal hunt as the 19th edition of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation Age Group+ Chess Championships got going on Tuesday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
The hosts hope to dominate the event but expects a tough opposition from powerhouse Vietnam. The Philippines is coming off a brilliant performance last year in Pahang, Malaysia where it won 83 golds, 37 silvers and 29 bronze medals.
National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero Pichay and Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) formally opened the tournament. City Sports coordinator Mikey Aportadera represented City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in yesterday’s opening.
Pichay remains confident the Philippines will retain the overall title despite the strong field. Around 300 chess players from Southeast Asian and Asia-Pacofic regions are competing in the event that will feature 14 age groups in the juniors division and two age groups in the seniors class. Aside from medals, International Master and FIDE Masters titles will also be up for grabs in the tourney, according to AAG director and Davao coordinator James Infiesto.
