Lucban, Quezon—Years after settling in Canada, Woman Fide Master Joy Lomibao returns to centerstage as she sees action in the 9th leg of the National Executive Chess Championship, also known as the 2019 Grandmaster Rosendo Balinas Sr. Chess Cup on Saturday, July 27m at the Zurea Hotel, La Purisima Concepcion St., Lucban, Quezon.
Lomibao, a former National Womens’ Open Champion and World Chess Olympiad member, is currently deep in traning under the guidance of International Master Ronald Bancod as part of her preparation for the one-day event.
The tournament is open to all qualified members of Philippine Executive Chess Association bankrolled by GM Balinas’ older brother, Engr. Antonio Balinas.
Tournament director is Joselito Cada.
Philippine Executive Chess Association president Dr. Jenny Mayor said that the tournament will be played in a 7-round Swiss System format of 20 minutes with a five-second increment.
The winner in the Open division (2000 and above NCFP rating) will take home P7,000 plus trophy; the second placer gets to win P5,000 and a medal; the third placer gets P3,000 plus medal; the fourth placer taked home P2,000 plus medal, while the fifth place pockets P1,500 plus medal.
Also up for grabs are special prizes for the Top 2200 and below, Top 2100 and below and Top Senior, receiving P1,000 each plus medals.
In the challenger’s division (1999 and below), the champion will receive P6,000 plus a trophy; the second placer will get P3,000 plus a medal; the 3rd placer will pocket P2,000 plus a medal; the fourth placer will bring home P1,500 plus a medal and the fifth placer will receive P1,000 plus a medal.
The Top 1800 and below, Top Senior and Top Unrated will receive P1,000 each plus medals.
Registration for the NCFP-sanctioned event is P1,000, on-site registration is pegged at P1,200, while the annual membership fee is P1,000.
For other details, call or text Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe (09188974410); Dr. Jenny Mayor (09351004755); Dr. Fred Paez (09212728172); Mr. Joselito Cada (09175117300); Mr. Martin “Binky” Gaticales (09998851432) and NM Efren Bagamasbad (09157209145).