AYALA Land, the country’s most prestigious real estate developer, is throwing its fùll support to Philippine chess, too.

The Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), headed by president-commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria, has reached an agreement with Ayala Land to sponsor the season-ending third conference starting next month.

To be known as the Open Conference, the tournament will be another milestone for the country’s first play-for-pay chess league as it will feature select foreign teams.

“Everyone knows what the support of Ayala Land means to Philippine chess and PCAP,” Elauria told People’s Tonight.

“It adds credibility and honor to our league. Moreover, it is an affirmation of the game of chess as a sport where Filipinos can excel,” added Elauria.

PCAP chairman Michael Angelo Chua also welcomed Ayala Land’s entry to the PCAP family, saying Philippine chess will benefit a lot. “With this synergy, we look forward to a better organization that will bring Philippine chess to greater heights.”

In a statement, Ayala Land Premier stated, “It is an honor for Ayala Land Premier to be a partner of PCAP and we’re proud to be a part of their mission to grow Philippine chess. We look forward to developing more world class chess professionals.”

Ayala Land is the second major private corporation to support PCAP, which was established only this year.

San Miguel Corporation, thru president Ramon S. Ang, has agreed to be the season-long sponsor starting in the PCAP All-Filipino Conference, won by the Camarines Soaring Eagles, and PCAP-Wesley So Cup topped by the IIloilo Kisela Knights.

Elauria said the third and season-ending conference will now be called as the PCAP San Miguel Corporation-Ayala Land Premier Cup.

Among the foreign teams which have already confirmed their participation are Singapore and Thailand.

Still being awaited are confirmation from the United States, China, Hungary, and France, according to Elauria.

Also invited to participate as guest teams are Philippine Paralympics Chess Team, a juniors squad composed of 16-under players, and a team of executives and professionals from Davao City.

“This is a sign of goodwill to our local chess community,” underscored Elauria, adding the junior team will still need the approval of the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra.

The guest teams are eligible to win the championship.

“We formulated a new format for the Open Conference,” Elauria.

“There will be one round among the northern and southern conferences with no guest teams yet. The top eight teams of each conference will advance and will be joined by the foreign teams which will draw lots to determine which division they compete in.”