The two-day 1st Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson Chess Tournament officially opened at the Capitol Social Hall on Friday, August 20. 

Governor Bong Lacson together with Anthony Carlos Agustin, Executive Assistant to the Governor and Provincial Sports Coordinator, led the event’s official opening.

The tournament was supervised by National Arbiter Leo Romitman as tournament director together with Jessie Sanchez as assistant tournament director, and NA and NM Rodolfo Toledo as chief arbiter.

Joining the tournament were International Master Joel Pimentel, Fide Master Nelson Villanueva, Xavier John Verdun, Carlito Lavega, Alfred Acaling III, National Masters Edsel Montoya, and National Master Edwin Tan, who are known as notable chess players.

Other participants were Francis Glenn Panes, Jordaine Tupaz, Modesvito Acero, Ted Ian Montoyo, Danny Maersk Mangao, Stevenson Garong, Ric Raymond dela Pena, Stephen Coleta, Josevito Tapulgo, Doughlas Diego Perez, Eric Abanco, Theseus Benitez, and Joseph Navarra.

Lacson said he hopes that someday a Negrense will represent the Philippines in international chess competitions.

Strict health and safety protocols were implemented in the two-day event; all players and technical officials were wearing face masks and gloves at all times./WDJ