Non-Master Below rapid chess slated feb. 5

THE COUNTRY’S top-rated GM Wesley So is looking forward to meeting young chess players as the 2050 Non-Master Below rapid chess tournament gets underway on Feb. 5 in Marikina City.

“As a veteran chess player, I’m looking forward to interacting with young chess players in every tournament that I visit because they are the future of Philippine chess,” said  So,  who became a full-pledged GM at age 14.

So, together with fellow World Cuppers GMs Darwin Laylo and Mark Paragua, will be the special guest in the one-day tournament, which starts with a simple opening ceremony at 11 a.m.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. while the first round of the seven-round Swiss system tournament starts at 11:30 a.m.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines chairman and president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.  was also invited as keynote speaker.

The tournament accepts all unrated players and those rated 2050-below. Registration fee is pegged at P300.  /correspondent Marlon Bernardino