" It's really very small (the number)," Infiesto said. "Perhaps, it's less than two percent of some 400 active [but unrated] chess players in the region."
The world rating is sanctioned by the FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs or World Chess Federation) and its rating system is a numerical system in which percentage scores are converted to rating differences and vice versa. Its function is to produce scientific measurement information of the best statistical quality.
Among the FIDE-rated players in the region are US Master Peter Tidoy, National Masters Jonathan Tan, Borris Diez and Alex Lupian.
In order to earn FIDE rating, Infiesto said, the players should join tournament sanctioned by FIDE, which connects the various national chess federations around the world and acts as the governing body of international chess competition.
Infiesto has requested the national NCFP office to bring "big time" chess tournaments in this city.
But the problem, according to Infiesto, “foreign grandmasters and international masters would not play if their counterparts are not FIDE rated players”.
"That's my problem because most of our players are not FIDE rated. How could they join?." He said.
Addressing the problem, the NCFP regional chief is organizing a tournament where chess players could have FIDE rating. Dubbed as Davao National FIDE-Rated Chess Open, the weeklong tournament will be held on May 26 – 31 at the Gaisano South Citimall.
Infiesto said he is expecting more than 500 players to join the tournament which also offers huge cash prizes.
The tournament will follow a nine rounds swiss system format with a time control of one hour and 15 minutes with 30 seconds increment. FIDE and NCFP rules will govern the tournament. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews)