Henry Lopez got the slot after he landed in second place in the qualifying tournament participated in by some of the top chess players in the Philippines0 held last March 11.
Lopez will compete against other qualifiers in the quarterfinals on March 22.
The Panaboan is on a roll as far as chess winnings are concerned as of late.
Last February 28, Lopez won three awards in the 10th Kajoooyax Solid Supporter Online Chess Tournament.
He won third place in the chessfest participated in by some of the top chess players in the Philippines.
Aside from his third-place finish, Lopez, who is part of the Davao Eagles Chess team in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines was also awarded top person with disability player and top Davao Chess Eagles.
Lopez won cash prizes for his awards.
Lopez is also part of the Philippine paralympic chess team that competed in the 4th World Championship for People with Disabilities held from November 5-14, 2021.
Close to 200 chessers from over 40 countries participated in the 10-day event. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)
Photo: United Queens Chess Club - UQCC FB page