by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA---THE country’s biggest and most prestigious chess competition dubbed as "Center Pawns", —the 9th edition Kamatyas FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Invitational Tournament —kicks off June 17 at the Ace Center Point in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

Co-Organizer Mr. Joselito Dormitorio said bringing the Kamatyas FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Invitational Tournament is expected to attract more tourist arrivals and would “help in improving the livelihood and tourism sectors in Koronadal City and the whole South Cotabato.”

The event which was also made possible by International Master Roderick Nava and Mr. David Almirol, co-founder of Kamatyas Chess Club featured chess players from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“It’s our first in Koronodal City (Kamatyas FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Invitational Tournament ) and will not be the last. We’re planning to do more chess tournaments in the future," said Dormitorio.
“We brought here the best of the bests to show that our Mindanao chess players here are capable of going up against Manila-based opponents as well Luzon and Visayas," he added.

"The chess community in the country continues to grow due to the continued strengthening of chess tournaments like this. Hope such events will inspire more young people to encourage them to improve their chess skills." last word of Dormitorio.

The 15 minutes plus 5 seconds increment time control format will offer P30,000, P10,000, P7,000, P5,000 for the first, second, third and fourth placers while the fifth to 10th placers will receive P2,000 each.
Dormitorio added that the following day (June 18), there will be an Executive Chess Tournament and Youth Under 16 event hosted by the Philippine Executive Chess Association under the new leadership. Mr. Joselito Cada will replace Dr. Fred Paez as the new PECA president.-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo shows International Master Roderick Nava, co-founder of Kamatyas Chess Club