MANILA---The Manny Pacquiao Chess Association (MPCA) will host one of the biggest, if not the biggest, chess events in the country dubbed the Manny Pacquiao Chess Association International Chess Tournament set Dec. 8 to 14 at the Robinsons Place Gensan in General Santos City.
A whopping $35,000 will be up for grabs in the seven-day event that is expected to draw participation from around 150 in the Individual event on Dec. 8-12 followed by team tournament on Dec. 13 and 14.
“For seven days, General Santos will be the chess center of the world and we look forward to hosting the tournament of brilliant minds,” said boxing icon and former Senator Manny Pacquiao, who is hosting the event on his 45th birthday.
Pacquiao thanked Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, National Chess Federation of the Philippines chair and president Prospero Pichay Jr. and Robinsons Place Gensan for supporting the meet.
The individual event will stake a cash pool worth $27,000 with the $5,000 going to the champion while giving out a total of P165,000 in the team event where the eventual titlist will be getting a cool P75,000.
MCPA organizers Jonas Silvano, John Salcedo and Orly Ortega said this is the first of many they’re planning to hold in the near future.
In fact, they’re planning to stage at least three more international tournaments, which included challenge events on the side, next year.
“We are truly convinced that the MPCA will become a truly global festival of chess,” said Pacquiao.
For inquiry, call or text mobile number: +632 9182583135 or email at family_country_hotelgsc@yahoo.com for complete details.-Marlon Bernardino-
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