The 9th Asian Seniors Chess Championship gets underway today (Sunday) at the Tagaytay International Convention Center with defending champion GM Eugene Torre seeking to become the second back-to-back winner in nine years.
Torre, who swept the nine-round tournament held in Auckland, New Zealand last year, is the overwhelming favorite to rule the competition being organized by Asian Chess Federation in cooperation with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and the Tagaytay City government.
“I am looking forward to another successful tournament and defend the title in front of our countrymen,” said Torre, who will also celebrate his 67th birthday today.
Cavite 7th District Cong. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Tagaytay Mayor Agnes Tolentino have been invited to grace the opening ceremony at 9 a.m. today.
Tournament director Mike Lapitan said the first round is scheduled at 10 a.m.
Among the notable foreign participants are Oleg Rinas, Kuanishbek Jumadullayev, Aitkazy Baimurzin, Timur Kazzymuv and Alnagul Chekeyeva, all of Kazakhstan; Muhammad Novian Siregar, Syarif Mahmud and Hendry Jamal of Indonesia; Than Khin of Myanmar, Ahmad Ismail and Kian Hwa Lim of Malaysia, Tony Davis of Australia, Mahmood Dodean of Palestine and three-time female winner Helen Milligan of New Zealand.
The local challenge will also be bannered by IM Chito Garma, Cesar Caturla, Rosendo Bandal, Casto “Toti” Abundo, Efren Bagamasbad, Adrian Pacis, Stewart Manaog, Rolzon Roullo, and Olympian Mila Emperado.