By Kristel Satumbaga
Filipino Grandmasters Eugene Torre, Julio Catalino Sadorra and Richard Bitoon are the latest big names who confirmed participation in the virtual Battle of Grandmasters dubbed “Cong. Pichay Birthday Cup” set on Sunday.
The 68-year-old Torre is now “semi-retired” after focusing on coaching the national men’s team but the Asia’s first GM and a many-time Philippine champion opted to take part in the one-day event that coincides with the birthday of National Chess Federation of the Philippines President Butch Pichay.
Sadorra, for his part, will return to competitive chess after he also concentrated on coaching following his appointment as new coach of University of Texas-Dallas last year while Bitoon, who has lived in Texas since four years ago, has been lured out to likewise join.
The three thus joined fellow GMs Mark Paragua, the reigning Filipino bullet king, chess ironman Joey Antonio, John Paul Gomez, Darwin Laylo, Banjo Barcenilla and national women’s team coach Jayson Gonzales.
GMs Oliver Barbosa and Bong Villamayor were also invited but have yet to confirm.
Janelle Mae Frayna, the country’s first and only Woman GM, and six other titled woodpushers are also seeing action in the event that should be considered as the strongest in years.
A total cash pot of P100,000 including P25,000 to the champion will be up for grabs.
