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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Three more GMs, led by Eugene Torre, to join Battle of the Grandmasters

Three more GMs, led by Eugene Torre, to join Battle of the Grandmasters

Published Jun 24, 2020 12:00 am
By Kristel Satumbaga Filipino Grandmasters Eugene Torre, Julio Catalino Sadorra and Richard Bitoon will come out of inactivity as they see online action in the Battle of Grandmasters dubbed “Cong. Pichay Birthday Cup” on Sunday. Eugene Torre (MB file photo) Eugene Torre (MB file photo) The 68-year-old Torre is “semi-retired” and has been focused on coaching the national men’s team. But Asia’s first GM and a many-time Philippine champion will come out of it just for the one-day event. Sadorra, for his part, will return to competitive chess after he also concentrated on coaching following his appointment at University of Texas-Dallas last year while Bitoon, a Texas resident for the past four years, has been likewise lured out to join the tourney. “I will join,” said Sadorra, who is currently the highest rated Filipino to date with a FIDE rating of 2564. The three thus joined fellow GMs Mark Paragua, the reigning Filipino bullet king, chess ironman Joey Antonio, John Paul Gomez, Darwin Laylo, Banjo Barcenilla and national women’s team coach Jayson Gonzales. GMs Oliver Barbosa and Bong Villamayor were also invited but have yet to confirm. Janelle Mae Frayna, the country’s first and only Woman GM, and six other titled woodpushers are also seeing action in the event that is considered the strongest in years. A total cash pot of P100,000 including P25,000 to the champion will be up for grabs.
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