THE Philippines will host the 19th Asean Age Group Chess Championship to be held June 17 to 27 in Davao City.
The country is also looking to take another overall crown after winning 83 golds, 37 silvers, and 29 bronzes in last year’s event in Pahang, Malaysia.
Around 500 chess players from 10 countries are expected to compete in 14 age-group divisions in the juniors division, and two in the seniors division.
“I believe we can defend our title even if we expect more participants this year,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero Pichay in a press conference on Wednesday.
Tournament director James Infiesto said winners of the event will become Fide Master (FM) and International Master (IM).
Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Charles Maxey expressed support to the event especially with Davao hosting the event under Martial Law.
“This only goes to show that despite the area being under Martial Law, peace reigns in Mindanao and that we can use sports to promote peace,” said Maxey.
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