NEW YORK (March 12) – A chess competition, under a joint venture of NYU School of Medicine (Center of the Studies of Asian American Health) and Kalusugan Coalition-Project AsPire, will be held at the NYU School of Medicine Cafeteria on 550 First Avenue in Manhattan, New York, on March 14. Games begin at 9 a.m.
According to Nonoy Rafael, Chief Tournament Director, a number of good chess masters have pre-registered in the tournament. Leading contenders to capture the Championship Trophy and a $400 cash prize are Senior Masters Oscar Tan, Rico Salimbagat, David Apelo, Patrick Yee and veteran Roummel Reyes.
“All these top players have won over many International Grandmasters throughout their career. I anticipate very tight race throughout the 6-round Swiss-system format,” he said.
Two National Masters are also in contention. Ernesto Encarnacion, an NCAA gold medalist and a former champion of Mapua University, and veteran Gerry Albano, who received his Chess Master title in the 90’s.
Other top challengers that may come from Chess Experts are led by Reden Cerilo, ex-UAAP and Far Eastern University Champion, and Mike Adario, 2004 Philippine Active Chess and National University Champion.
“Fatal blunders and brilliancy moves happel all the time to anyone,” Rafael said. “That’s what makes chess an intense but interesting game. Thus, an unknown player can emerge a champion without any doubt.”
