BAGUIO CITY – The Summer Capital and Cordillera region may soon have its very own Baguio-born chess grandmaster.
International Master Haridas Pascua, a local resident and University of Baguio graduate, will be competing in several international tournaments this year for a chance to reach the 2500 elo rating needed to become a Grandmaster – the highest rank a chess player can achieve.
His father and coach, Gilbert Pascua of the Pines City Chess Club, informed Mayor Mauricio Domogan that Haridas will join the Len Lapid Rapid Open Chess Tournament in Bandong, Indonesia slated on November 5 – 6; Malaysia Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship on November 12 – 13 and Raja Catur Sabak Bernam on November 19, both in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
The Philippine International Chess Championship on December 5 – 11 and the PSC-Puregold Chess Challenge on December 13 – 18, both at the Celebrity Sports Plaza, Quezon City; and the Jollimark (HK) International Open Chess Championship slated from December 25 – 31 in Hong Kong.
Pascua said that he and his group will be shouldering all the necessary expenses for Haridas’ participation in the various chess competitions. Pascua will accompany his son to all the events.City sports office head Gaudencio Gonzales said that his office has always been supportive and proud of the young chess prodigy and all other local athletes.
He assured that all incentives will be given to Haridas should he capture medals or trophies that bring honor not only to the city but the country as well.**gaby keith