Chess is a well loved sport in our country and we have a rich chess tradition. We produced Asia's first Grandmaster, Eugene Torre and an elite top ten in the world, Wesley So. As such, a lot of Pinoys love playing the sport since we have a natural inclination for it. It's also very cheap and can be played anywhere. In fact, weekly amateur tournaments were held for non-titled players like me. Let me share some photos and experience of the last tournament I joined before the pandemic.
The tournament is sponsored by a local politician and a motel. 😄
After registering to the tournament and paying a small fee you get a mark with an ink as a participant.
The standings are posted every round. As you can see, there are close to a hundred participants.
The games will be played in a basketball court. This is not yet the official start but players just warming up before the tournament.
Ceremonial moves and picture taking with the future of Philippine chess. The kid seated is already a National Master.
Preparing for the national anthem before the tournament.
The official tournament ongoing. There are some players betting on blitz games on the side. 😀
We played until evening and there was a basketball game that will played. We were booted out of the basketball court and transferred to the barangay hall.
It was tiring but fun tournament though I didn't win any prize.