By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Armenian Grand Master (GM) Karen Grigoryan recently confirmed his participation in the 2017 Negros International Open Chess Championship, set to take place from October 11 to 19 in Bacolod City.
Grigoryan most recently won the Open Internacional d’Escacs Vila de Sitges in 2013. He has also previously won the Armenian U14 championships, the European U16 championships, and the Armenian Championship.
He joins other international GMs in the Bacolod City tournament, including Nigel Short from England; Srinath Narayanan from India; and Tuan Minh Tran and Duc Hua Nguyen, both from Vietnam.
According to lead tournament sponsor Antonio Aguirre, the participation by these international competitors means “Negros chess will be recognized among the global chess community as a bedrock for potential chess masters and world-class players.”
Meanwhile, Filipino GMs Rogelio Antonio, Jr. and Darwin Laylo will also be taking part in the competition./WDJ