NORTHERN Mindanao will host its first-ever international chess tournament in November as Ozamiz City welcomes the Asean+ Individual Chess Championships — Gov. Henry Oaminal Cup.
Foreign grandmasters, international masters and FIDE masters are expected to clash with the country’s top players in the weeklong event set Nov. 2 to 10 at the scenic Misamis Occidental Resort and Aquamarine Park in Amorap, Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental.
“This is a dream come true for local chess talents who are financially strapped from competing abroad,” said tournament organizer Rey Urbiztondo.
He said it is a golden opportunity for local players to test their skills against top competitors from across the Asean region and elevate their game to the next level.
The tournament carries high stakes: outright GM and IM norms will be awarded to the top performers.
As of this week, organizers have confirmed around 40 participating men’s and women’s masters representing Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and India.
The international competition is a joint effort between the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and the Misamis Occidental provincial government led by Gov. Henry S. Oaminal.
There is still no word on the possible return of Uzbek super GM Timur Gareyev — the world’s “blindfold king” — who shared first place with Filipino IM Michael Concio Jr. in a previous Ozamiz open event.
“But he’s more than welcome if he chooses to compete again. Filipino fans love his swashbuckling style of play,” Urbiztondo said.
Also expected to draw excitement is the Challenger division for players rated 2199 and below, which offers cash prizes for the top 30 finishers.
The division champion will take home $800 (about ₱46,400), with additional awards for top kiddie, youth, junior, elementary and high school competitors in both boys and girls brackets.
