by Marlon Bernardino
The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE) is hosting the first online chess tournament dubbed as “N1 IIEE Chess Olympiad 2020” on September 11, 2020 to October 30, 2020 using LiChess Team Battle and results to be posted in chess-results.com. The tournament will be played by 20 teams from all over the Philippines and 6 team from Middle East Asia.
As the usual event of IIEE Basketball was postponed due to the coronavirus and thru the effort of the Chess Tournament director Norberto De Jesus, 2019 IIEE Bulacan Chapter President, NFCP/Fide Arbiter Richard Dela Cruz and overseer Allan Alvarez, the first ever chess tournament for IIEE National will take place. Other supports from IIEE National are Lyndon Bague, Roland Vasquez, Feliciano Padua, Alberto Herrera and Joseph Solicar. They also form part of the appeal board together with lead Team Captains Siegmund Sanchez, Eric Frigillana and Karlycris Clarito. The event is hosted by IIEE Central Laguna headed by Chapter President Ricky Pairat who will also play the event together with at least 4 other IIEE Chapter Presidents (Siegmund Sanchez of Catanduanes, Velmor Villena of East Region Central Saudi Arabia, Joel Conde of Palawan, Jalssen Dumancas of Negros Occidental).
The distinguished players are bannered by National Masters Robert Arellano (IIEE CRCSA) and Dennis Gutierrez (IIEE Bulacan). Also participating is Patrick Erl (IIEE Metro South), the brother of NMs Joey and Paolo Florendo. Other teams are lead by NCFP/Fide rated players and rising stars of IIEE Chess Club.
The time control for all games is 15 minutes plus a one-second increment. It will be played simultaneously every Friday, 8pm starting September 11, 2020. Prior to the awarding ceremony on October 30, 2020, a special 5-round swiss tournament, 5+1, will be played by IIEE lady chess players.
As quoted by US President Benjamin Franklin “Chess is so interesting in itself, as not to need the view of gain to induce engaging in it; and thence it is never played for money”, hence the award are precious artworks from an artist Engineer Yel Cast who will immortalize the prestige of the winners for this momentous event.
This event coincides with the IIEE 45th year anniversary and the annual virtual mid-year convention of the institute headed by IIEE National President is Rod Pecolera.
This event will not be possible with the usual support of sponsors on IIEE sports which among others include Genikos Technology Inc., Solicar Construction & Supply Inc., RPV Electrotech Power System Inc. Starace Trading and Engineering Services, Fujihaya Audit Inspection & Maintenance, AC Power Engineering Service & Trading, Powerbuild Construction & Development Corp. and Delta Lighting.-Marlon Bernardino-