Robillos, Balbona Sevillano shine in SRP chessfest

CEBU, Philippines - Airene Robillos, Felix Shaun Balbona and Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano topped their respective divisions in the Cebu Fest 2011 SRP Chess Open the other day at the Yayoy’s Grill and Resto Bar along Orchid Street in Brgy. Capitol Site, this city.

Robillos ruled the ladies category with 4.5 points. Quennie Cablao and Jessa Marie Balbona occupied the second and third spots with identical scores of 4.0 points, while Cristina Hazel Sato and Keithclaire Carlisle Morala wedre at joint fourth and fifth with 3.5 points each.

In the kiddies class, Balbona and Sevillano shared the top spot after ending the tournament with similar 5.0 points output.

Allan Pason wound up third with 4.5 pts. Completing the top eight finishers were Aldritz Pondoyo, Jeffu Dorog, Christian Pondoyo, Adrian Basilgo and Duane Borgonia.

In the open category played at the Cebu City Sports Center, IM Kim Steven Yap currently enjoys the lead followed by FIDE Master Anthony Makinano and Jimson Bitoon.

The rest who barged into the quarterfinals were Venancio Loyola, NM Merben Roque, Eden Diano, Francisco Abugho, Voltaire Sevillano, NM Rogelio Enriquez, Richard Natividad, Aller Somosot, NM Leonardo Alidani, Rommel Ganzon, Alfer Fernandez, Marq Gabriel Balbona and Ian Villareal.

The champion in the open category will pocket P10,000, while the runner-up receive P 5,000. The semifinalists will get P3,000 each, and the quarterfinalists P1,000 apiece. — (FREEMAN)