Kidapawan Chessfest Offers P25,000 Cash Prize To Winner

Some of the top chess players in the Philippines are expected to join the 10th Kidapawan Open Chess Championship set on February 3 and 4, 2018 at the
Kidapawan Convention Center in Kidapawan City.
This early,  Grandmaster (GM) Darwin Laylo and GM-elect Ronald Dableo, and IM (international master) Oliver Dimakiling have already confirmed participation in the chessfest which offers P25,000 cash prize to the champion.
Kidapawan Chess Club, Incorporated (Inc.) president Dr. Ted P. Calica said this year's tournament is special because their organization is celebrating their 10th year anniversary and the city of Kidapawan is comemorating its 20th year anniversary as the premier city in North Cotabato.
He said the runner-up will pocket P20,000 while the next two placers will take home P15,000 and P10,000. The fifth to 10th placers will also receive cash prizes.
The best kiddie, junior and best female players will also claim medals.
Calica said the local government of Kidapawan lead by Mayor Joseph Evangelista is in full support of the chessfest.
He said although the higher ranked chess players are picked to win the chessfest,  Mindanao national masters Bob Jones Liwagon, Alexander Lupian and Macacuna Macala may pull off surprises in the event.
Some 100 chess players are expected to see action in the chessfest organized by the Kidapawan Chess Club, Inc. and Batch 85–Notre Dame of Kidapawan for Boys and Girls HS Alumni Association Incorporated.