Chess development on the go in Bataan

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Mariveles-based 3M Chess Club will be holding an inter-town team chess tournament. Bataan Gov. Albert Garcia has reportedly already approved fund for the chess event.

The Bataan Chess Association and Balanga City Chess Club are again working together to organize chess tournaments for the rest of the year. The two clubs already jointly organized two successful tournaments this year.

Chess trainers Noel Ycasas and Erickson Marimla are currently coordinating with the Department of Education here for special chess training of interested students.

The two trainers led the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) women’s team to become the 2014 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association national champion. Since becoming its official trainers, the two have turned the BPSU men’s and women’s chess teams into a powerhouse.

Marimla is also training a 10-year old chess prodigy Aristotle Nikolai Calica of this city. The very talented young chess player qualified for the Asean Youth and School Chess Championship.

From time to time, International Master Roel Abelgas visits Bataan to display his chess skill and provide support to local chess players.