The 9th Asian Seniors Chess Championship gets going today at the Tagaytay International Convention Center with defending champion GM Eugene Torre seeking to become the second back-to-back winner in nine years.
Torre, who swept the nine-round tournament held in Auckland, New Zealand last year, is the overwhelming favorite to rule the competition being organized by Asian Chess Federation in cooperation with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and the Tagaytay City government.
“I am looking forward to another successful tournament and defend the title infront of our countrymen,” said Torre, who will also celebrate his 67th birthday today.
“Madami din malalakas na kalaban, pati mga foreigners,” added Torre, referring to the five players from the former Russian republic of Kazakhstan and three from Southeast Asian rival Indonesia.
Cavite 7th District Cong. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Tagaytay Mayor Agnes Tolentino have been invited to grace the opening ceremony at 9 a.m. today.
