Chess aficionados will have a chance to rub elbows with no less than world’s multi-awarded chess player also known as “Asia’s first Grandmaster” Eugenio Torre as the Open Kitchen holds the inaugural chess tournament on April 13, Saturday at the Open Kitchen 34-36 P. Tuazon Boulevard, Barangay Kaunlaran, Cubao, Quezon City.
Grandmaster Torre is renowned for winning the silver medal in the 1974 Chess Olympiad held in Nice, France which earned him the GM title at the age of 22.
Tournament organizer Jeff Dimalanta said chess players and enthusiasts will have the chance to see and meet the country’s most celebrated chess player.
“But we are planning to organize more chess tournaments,” Dimalanta said.
Aside from chess, Dimalanta said that Open Kitchen also promote and support other indoor sports like table tennis and tamiya game among others.
Torre, Barangay Kaunlaran chairman Christopher “Dong” Cheng, International billiards/snooker champion Marlon Manalo of Patrol Party and China Aurelio of Open Kitchen are expected to deliver their inspirational messages to the participants of the one-day affair rapid time control format which begins at four pm.
Former World Chess Olympiad member International Master Ronald Bancod will spearhead a strong cast battling in the inaugural Open Kitchen chess tournament.
Other vying in the event are eight-time Illinois USA champion International Master (IM) Angelo Young, Fide Master Christopher Castellano, Woman Fide Master Allaney Jia Doroy and United States chess master Jose “Jojo” Aquino Jr.
Bannering the local challenge in the tournament are National Master Romeo Alcodia and youthful Jerome Alcodia.
Other notable woodpushers participating are seven-time Philippine Executive grand prix champion Dr. Jenny Mayor, 2018 Singapore co-champion Jasper Faeldonia, 2017 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysian ASEAN age-group multiple gold medal winner Asean Master Al Basher “Basty” Buto, Jason Rojo and journeyman Genghis Katipunan Imperial.
