Cash bonuses await chess champions

JAKARTA: With team stalwart GM Utut Adianto missing from its lineup, the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) is offering bonuses to medal winners at the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines.

"Those who win a gold medal are entitled to bonuses of Rp 30 million," Percasi treasurer Mudda Madang was quoted as saying in a release.

A silver medalist will get Rp 15 million and bronze medalist Rp 10 million. Percasi is also providing incentives for players able to gain chess accreditation, with an International Master (IM) title worth Rp 5 million and Grand Master (GM) Rp 10 million.

The chess competition starts on Nov. 27 in Tagatay City with eight gold medal on offer. Indonesia has eight men and seven women competing in the chess competition, but 2003 gold medalist Utut has opted to participate in the World Cup of Chess, which is scheduled to take place from Nov. 26 to Dec. 18. in Khanty- Mansiysk, Russia. -- JP