Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo opened the 1st GMA Cup International yesterday at the sponsoring Duty Free Philippines complex in Manila. Thirty titled players including 12 GMs led by U.S. champion Alexander Onischuk (in photo with President Arroyo) and top players from Olympiad runner-up China are competing in the $26,000 event. NCFP President Prospero Pichay said that this is the first in a series of GMA Cup international chess tournaments. Visit the NCFP web site. Watch top games live at DFP site.

FIDE General Secretary Ignatius Leong was present during the Opening Ceremonies with National Chess Federation of the Philippines President Congressmand Prospero Pichay, NCFP Secretary General Mayor Abraham Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez and sponsoring Duty Free General Manager Michael Ko.

Among the participants are GM Alexander Onischuk (USA), GM Zhang Pengxiang (CHN), GM Ni Hua (CHN), GM Zhang Zhong (CHN), GM Akobian Varuzhan (USA), GM Vladimir Belov (RUS), GM Mark Paragua (PHI), GM Victor Mikhalevski (ISR), GM Eugene Torre (PHI), GM Rogelio Antonio, IM Tahir Vakhidov (UZB), IM Wang Rui (CHN), GM Bong Villamayor (PHI), GM Nelson Mariano (PHI) and other leading Philippine players.