Busy year for Filipino wood pushers

2010: Busy year for Filipino wood pushers
abs-cbnNEWS.com 01/13/2010 5:53 PM

MANILA, Philippines – The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) has already released its calendar of activities for 2010, which will be a busy year for Filipino wood pushers.

“We (NCFP) hope to produce more grandmasters (GMs) this year,” said NCFP president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., who saw 5 Filipinos become GMs in his term.

The Philippines, currently ranked as World’s No. 30, has 12 grandmasters including Wesley So, Eugene Torre, Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., Buenaventura “Bong” Villamayor, Nelson Mariano II, Mark Paragua, Darwin Laylo, John Paul Gomez, Jayson Gonzales, Joseph Sanchez, GM-elect Rogelio “Banjo” Aznar-Barcenilla Jr. and the late Rosendo Balinas.

Ronald Dableo, the 2003 Asian 3.2a champion, needs to raise his ELO 2464 to 2500 to become RP’s 13th GM.

NCFP executive director Wilfredo “Willie” Abalos said the Prospero Pichay Cup 1-day rapid event will take place on February 13.

The Battle of the Grandmasters will take place on March 15 followed by Palawan Open in April in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Also scheduled on April 11 is the annual National Inter-Province Team in Kalibo, Aklan.

Here is the full article.