Reigning national champion International Master Daniel Quizon and Grandmaster Darwin Laylo banner a strong cast in the 2^nd Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Open Chess Tournament slated on July 9 to 10 at the AYA Hotel and Residences in Clarin, Misamis Occidental here.

Also competing in the tournament are defending champion International Master Joel Pimentel and Dasmariñas Chess Academy players IM Michael Concio Jr., FIDE Master Roel Abelgas and National Master Mar Aviel Carredo.

Other rated players participating are IMs Eric Labog, Rolando Nolte, Ronald Bancod, Rico Mascarinas and Kim Steven Yap, NM Joey Florendo and Rommel Ganzon, United States chess master Marlon Bernardino Jr. and labor arbiter judge Jason Bandal.

Around 300 participants are expected to compete in the tournament sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

No less than Hall of Famer and Asia’s First Grandmaster Eugene Torre is expected to lead the ceremonial moves along with Gov. Henry S. Oaminal, Mayor Henry Oaminal, Jr. and Rep. Sancho Fernando Oaminal.

At least P355,000 in cash prizes will be given away to the winners of the FIDE rapid rated competition, with the open champion receiving P50,000 top purse. The Top 20 players will also get consolation prizes.

Cash prizes are also at stake for the winners in the Top High School (Under-17), Top Elementary (U-13) and Top Misamis Occidental.

Special category prizes will also be be given to the Top Senior (60 above), Top Junior (20 below), Top Lady (U17), Top Lady (U13) and Top Lady (Open).

The tournament, which will be held in the celebration of the 76th Ozamiz City Charter Anniversary and feast of Nuestra Sra. dela Concepcion y del Triunfo de Migpangi, is organized by Asenso Misamis Occidental Federated Chess Association in coordination with the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental.