The 2nd Joshwe Bolico Chess Memorial got underway last Sunday at the Alphaland Mall in Pasong Tamo Extension and all eyes are on the team bannered by FM Nelson “Elo” Mariano III.
Mariano, fresh from ruling the Philippine Executive Chess Association grand finals held in Boracay recently, will be backstopped by Chester Niell Reyes, Leonard Reyes, and Francis Talaboc.
Expected to crowd them for the title are the teams composed of FM Randy Segarra, Richard Villaseran, Joseph Navarro and Tyrone Guya as well as the foursome of NM Alcon Datu, Jayson Danday, Chin Lim and Rommel Llavanes.
Also expected to vie for the top prize of P40,000 is the team of Noel Noel Delacruz, Richie Jocson, Arnel Penero and Paul Sanchez.
While the title-favorite teams parade a balanced line-ups, some are forming a strong 1-2 punch at the Top 2 boards like the tandems of FM Christopher Castellano and Jojo Aquino, as well as the Sherwin Tu and Jerry Areque duo.
“We expect a battle-royale as almost all our country’s top players will be playing in the tournament. The average 2100 rating we have set also ensures parity among teams which makes the competition truly exciting,” said Erwin Tabor of the RED KINGS, organizer of the tournament.
The country’s other leading chess players are also spearheading different teams such as FIDE Masters Mari Turqueza, Arden Reyes, Mark Bacojo, Adrian Pacis as well as National Masters Ali Branzuela, Rolan Perez, among others.
Thirty-seven teams have confirmed participation and more teams are expected to announce their participation and line-ups soon.