LOCAL chess prodigies will test their skills against Mindanao’s best as Ozamiz City hosts the Mindanao leg of the National Chess Championships Eliminations for men and women on October 18–19 at the City Gymnasium in Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental.
The two-day event, jointly organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), marks the first in a nationwide series to select members of the Philippine National Chess Team.
Winners from the Ozamiz eliminations will advance to the semifinals to face FIDE Masters and International Masters.
The top performers from that round will challenge Grandmasters and NCFP-nominated players in the grand finals to determine who will represent the country in international tournaments such as the World Chess Olympiad.
Organizer Rey Urbiztundo said early registrants include players from Northern Mindanao and the Zamboanga Peninsula, highlighting the region’s strong grassroots development.
Among them are Arena Grandmaster Julius Dan Augustine Ablin from Iligan City and Bradkint Gayramon of Cagayan de Oro City, both considered rising stars in Philippine chess.
Gayramon, known for his rapid improvement, recently ruled the elementary category in both the 1st Mayor Rolando Uy and Hon. Raineir Joaquin Uy Open Rapid Chess Tournament in Cagayan de Oro and the Gov. Henry Oaminal Open Chess Tournament in Ozamiz last July.
“Brilliant chess players in the locality are getting younger. Who knows — Northern Mindanao talents might soon make it to the national team,” Urbiztundo said, crediting Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry S. Oaminal for his “unwavering support” in accelerating Mindanao’s chess development.
The men’s division is open to players with ratings of 2,099 and below, while the women’s division is for those rated 1,750 and below.
Both categories will follow a seven-round format, using the standard 60-minute time control with a 30-second increment per move.
