Asia’s first Grandmaster and Hall of Famer Eugene Torre will be playing in a simultaneous exhibition with young chess players in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro when the 2nd Bahaghari Chess Cup, a FIDE-rated tournament, unfurls on November 9-10.
The 2nd Bahaghari Chess Cup is organized by the Pinamalayan Chess Club, which aims to showcase and develop grassroots chess talent.
Torre will play young competitors in a simul during the local tournament’s opening on Nov. 9 at 8 a.m. at Casa Felar, Aguinaldo St., in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro.
The tournament’s champion will receive PHP20,000 and a trophy. Additional cash prizes will be awarded to the top nine finishers, while Mindoro players can also join an Amateur Rapid tournament with separate prizes.
Registration is open, with fees set at PHP600 for non-Pinamalayan players and PHP500 for locals in the open standard category. Amateur players can register for PHP200 (non-Pinamalayan players) and PHP100 (locals).
Ferdinand Melaya, President of the Pinamalayan Chess Club, said the tournament eyes to develop young chess talent, adding that Torre’s presence will inspire young players.
“Our goal is to cultivate competitive players who can represent Oriental Mindoro—and the country—on national and international stages,” he said.
“We also recognize that chess can be a gateway to academic opportunities, with many prestigious universities offering scholarships to talented players,” he added.
The first installment of the Bahaghari Chess Cup happened in April 2024. (PNA)
