MANILA, Philippines: The Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence (PACE) will hold blitz and rapid FIDE-rated tournaments at its headquarters in Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City on March 30 and 31.Players with Elo ratings of 1899 and below will see action on March 30, while those with 1599 and below rating will compete on March 31.National Master Nika Juris Nicolas will be among the favorites to rule this National Chess Federation of the Philippines-sanctioned tournament that offers cash prizes to the winners.'I hope to do well in this event and gain some Elo rating points,' said the 11-year-old Nicolas, who is playing under the guidance of Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales and Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna.Nicolas, who became the country's youngest NM when she earned the title two years ago, is one of Pasig City's top players in the elementary level.Her current Elo ratings are 1579 for standard chess, 1455 for rapid and 1596 for blitz.She will represent the country in the World Cadet Rapid & Blitz Championships on April 25-29, 2024 in Durres, Albania.PACE is holding the tournament to give chance to fledgling chess players to compete among themselves and improve their ratings.'The event is aimed at developing good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and camaraderie,' National Chess Federation of the Philippines legal counsel Atty. Nikki de Vega said.
