ASIA’S first Grandmaster Eugene Torre, as expected, was drafted first in the first-ever Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Players’ Draft at the Quezon City Sports Club.
Torre was picked first by the Rizal after acquiring the top pick from Antipolo in the first-ever professional chess league in the Philippines.
GM Joey Antonio was selected second by Iloilo, while Mikaela Concio was drafted third overall by Quezon City in the 24-team field that will hold their first-ever conference set on January 12.
NM Glenn Altuz was picked fourth by Iriga City followed by IM Joel Pimintel (Negros) at fifth, Edsel Montoya (Cordova) at sixth, NM Jose Aquino (Antipolo) at seventh, IM Ricky De Guzman (San Juan) at eighth, NM David Elorta (Mindoro) at ninth, and NM Merben Roque (Lapu Lapu) at 10th.
FM Vince Alaan was selected at No. 11 by Surigao.
GMs Julio Catalino Sadorra and Mark Paragua were obtained at No. 12 and No. 13 by Manila and Camarines Sur respectively, while NM Jefer Embuido was drafted by Olongapo at No. 14.
GM John Paul Gomez was grabbed by Cabuyao at 15th as IM Rico Mascarinas was taken by Toledo City at 16th.
Rounding out the first round were Jake Tumaliwan of Cagayan at 17th, IM Chito Garma of Zamboanga at 18th, NM Marlon Bernardino of General Trias at 19th, FM Joel Balico of Isabela at 20th, NM Elwin Retanal of Cebu at 21st, IM Paolo Barsamina of Caloocan at 22nd, GM Darwin Laylo of Pasig at 23rd, and Shania Mae Mendoza of Palawan at 24th.
The PCAP will have three conferences with each team comprising of seven players – rated, lady, senior, and three homegrown woodpushers – in the competition supervised by the Games and Amusements Board.
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