Laoag City – The Queen of the North chess tournament, featuring Woman International Master (WIM) Jan Jodilyn Fronda, is scheduled to take place at the Ilocos Norte National High School Gymnasium in Laoag City from December 17 to 23. Fronda, known for her victories in the National Women’s Chess Championship and participation in the 2022 Chess Olympiad in India, will face tough competition from national team members and promising young players.
According to Philippines News Agency, the tournament will feature Woman Fide Masters Cherry Ann Mejia and Samantha Glo Revita, Woman National Master Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian, and young talents like Mecel Angela Gadut, Bea Mendoza, Merlene Membrere, Jallen Agra, Regyne Palaming, Kate Ordizo, Precious Ferrer, and Maycydel Fajardo. Fronda expressed her anticipation of a challenging competition and her aim to perform well and gain ELO rating points.
Organized by IM Ronald Bancod and tournament director Aldwin Galapon, the event aims to discover new talents in the female chess arena from the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera regions, and nearby provinces. International Arbiter Ricky Navalta will serve as the chief arbiter, assisted by National Arbiter Elizsa Gayle Cafirma. The tournament offers a total of PHP400,000 in cash prizes, with the champion receiving PHP100,000.