By Kristel Satumbaga
The Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) has recently been given the pro status by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), making it the first professional chess league in the country.
GAB chairman Baham Mitra hopes the creation of a pro league would boost the popularity of the sport.
The PCAP, headed by lawyer Paul Elauria who played top board for Philippine Normal University in the 80s, is scheduled to make the official announcement in a virtual press conference on Thursday.
PCAP is being groomed like the PBA where it is expected to attract the best and brightest players in the land.
They will be given a contract with minimum and maximum salaries with a salary cup.
And just like the PBA, trading of players will be allowed.
To date, the PCAP reportedly has already received commitments from 12 provincial teams that include Cagayan, Palawan, Subic/Zambales, Tarlac, San Juan, Pampanga, Pasig, Mindoro, Manila and Makati.
The group is hoping to help the country produce top notch grandmasters in the molds of Eugene Torre, US-based Wesley So, Julio Catalino Sadorra, Mark Paragua, Oliver Barbosa, Banjo Barcenilla, Darwin Laylo and Joey Antonio.
