MANILA – Filipino Grandmaster (GM) Mark Paragua banners a host of woodpushers from all over the country in the inaugural Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. Cup Open Rapid Chess Championships in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

According to sports Website BilliardPhilippines.com, Paragua and the rest of the participants will vie for the tournament's P10,000 top prize and the Gov. Amado Espino trophy. Paragua recently competed in the 4th President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Cup.

Other participants in the Rapid Chess tournament are GM-elect Ronald Dableo, Woman International Master Cristine Rose Mariano and International Masters Rolando Nolte and Chito Garma.

Joining them are National Masters (NM) Dennis Gutierrez, Efren Bagamasbad, Ric Portagalera, Edgardo Garma, Edmundo Gatus, Reggie Olay, Haridas Pascua, Deniel Causo, and Allan Macala.

The tournament will run from October 10 to 11 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center.