Online chess keeps players going amid COVID-19 pandemic

By Kristel Satumbaga

Life goes on for Filipino chess players while most sporting events are in a standstill in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) continues with its programs by holding online chess tournaments since the government imposed Enhanced Community Quarantine three weeks ago.

The aim is to give the players an alternative to stay sharp since on-the-board tournaments are postponed or cancelled due to the global health crisis.

The NCFP has organized the first Philippine National Bullet Chess Championship being done at the lichess.org online chess application where more than P200,000 total cash prize are at stake in the 10-leg tournament.

The tournament is done every Saturday, with last weekend’s third leg drawing more than 447 titled and untitled players including those based abroad.

mong titled players competing are Grandmasters Mark Paragua, Joey Antonio, Banjo Barcenilla, Darwin Laylo; International Masters Daniel Quizon, Paulo Bersamina, Jan Emmanuel Garcia; FIDE Masters Sander Severino and Alekhine Nouri, Woman Grandmaster Janelle Frayna and WIM Bernadette Galas to name a few.

Different chess organizations around the country are following suit by holding their own tournaments, including women’s tournaments.

Now, there are at least two to three online chess tournaments that Filipino players can participate in every day, ranging from bullet, blitz to Fischer-Random events.

Most tournaments are being held on bullet events where players are challenged at fast time control to prevent computer assistance while teaching pattern recognition, which is important in the sport.

Seeing the large response from the chess community, NCFP executive director Cliburn Orbe said they will try to maintain the online program going even after the lockdown is lifted.

Source: Manila Bulletin