By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

The 2017 Negros Closed Chess Tournament begins today, May 27, at the District North Point in Talisay City and runs until May 31.
Expected to take part in the tournament are Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) Master Sander Severino, International Master (IM) Joel Pimentel, National Master (NM) Rodolfo Toledo, NM Rodrigo Atotubo, NM Andador Rolando, NM Edwin Tan, NM Carlito Lavega, NM Alfred Acaling, Ted Ian Montoyo, Ellan Asuela, Ernie Abanco, Francis Glenn Panes, Josevito Tapulgo, Danny Maersk Mangao, Jerich Cajeras, Ric Raymund dela Pena, Michael Ocido, Jordaine Tupaz, Marvin Ting, Stevenson Garong, Aeron Charles Keife, Douglas Perez, Christian Espayos, Joshua Gerard Gelera, Joshua Panes, Herbert Ciocon, Eric Abanco, Theseus Benitez, Syrel June Coleta, Jomar Funo-an, Therence Gonzales, and Joseph Navarra.
The winner receives a prize of P15,000, trophy, medal, free registration to the Negros International Open Chess Championship, and a trip to either a European or Asian tournament next year./WDJ