IM Pimentel leads tough field in Oro Rising Chess

INTERNATIONAL Master Joel Pimentel, easily among the fastest guns in Philippine chess today, leads a star-studded field in the Cagayan de Oro City finale of the nationwide Rising Chess Unlimited now underway at the Bazaar Place 2nd Floor of the Limketkai Center.

The 30-year-old Pimentel, who topped the Asenso Misamis Occidental National Open Chess Tournament in July, is the top seed among 150 participants in the individual open category with his 2403 local rapid rating.

He also teams up with local boys Sebastian Marbas and Rey Uy for Chessables in the quest for the P30,000 top purse in the 20-team field rivalries using the Sofia rules with three points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero for a loss.

The Cagayan de Oro-based Fide Master Ellan Asuela and fellow Bacolodnon FM Nelson Villanueva and Iligan City FM Victor Lluch are also seeing action along with some of the best National Masters, Arena Grandmasters and Arena Fide Masters in the country.

“We’re using the Sofia rules in determining the team champion to ensure fighting chess kay lisod ang negotiation sa crucial rounds kon three points ang daug unya one point lang ang tabla. Mapugos gyod sila nga patay ang dula,” said pairing expert Arian Belly Calido.

Around 100 children are also competing for the championship trophy, cash prizes, and medals in the elementary category of the day-long rapid tourney with a time control of 12 minutes plus a second increment.

Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo, the chief organizer of the Rising Chess Unlimited, travels from Misamis Occidental to grace the ceremonial rites along with Golden Chess Friends founding head Benoni Wabe, Misamis Oriental Board Member Gerardo ‘Boboy’ Sabal and Provincial Sports Development Office in-charge Reynand Fuentes among the guests.