IMs Nadera, Kim Yap lead top seeds in CEPCA tourney

CEBU, Philippines - International Masters Barlo Nadera and Kim Yap banner the list of top-caliber Cebuano players who are out to defend Cebu's turf against an equally-strong cast of out-of-town entries in the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association-organized Mayor Mike Rama Chess Open Active Chess Tournament slated from May 30 to June 1 at the The Event Centre of SM City-Cebu.

Aside from Nadera and Yap, the other Cebu stars to watch out for include FIDE Master Anthony Makinano, NMs Merben Roque, Rogelio Enriquez, Arnold Cadiz, and Leonardo Alidani as well as Rommel Ganzon, Edcel Montoya, Eden Diano, Richard Natividad, Carlos Moreno III, and the Macau-bound Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano.

Jun Olis of the organizing CEPCA said Cebu's bets are expected to face tough opposition from the likes of NM Rustum Tolentino of Cagayan de Oro City, reigning Bohol champion Glicerio Pardillo, and Allan Cantonjos of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. Cantonjos may be a non-master but has shown his sharp and tactical playing skills in sweeping all local tournaments he joined in recently.

Over a hundred pawnpushers, veteran and newcomer alike, are all set to see action in the three-day event backstopped by the city government of Cebu through its sports commission in partnership with CEPCA.

A total of  P76,000 in cash prize will be given away to the top performers, with the champion getting the biggest chunk of P15,000.

The second placer will pocket P10,000, while the third to fifth will take home P7,000, P5,000, and P3,000 respectively. Those who will barge in the top 10 are ensured of P1,500 each, while the 11th to 20th will get P1,000. Those who will make it to the top 30 will get a consolation prize of P500.

The top three finishers under the senior, junior, and Cepcan categories will get a uniform incentive of P1,500, P1,000 and P500, while the top three kiddie and lady players will receive P1,000, P700 and P500.

Registration fee is pegged at P300 for the regular players and P150 for the kiddies and ladies.

For further information, one may contact Engineer Jerry Maratas at 0932-8744805, Jun Olis at 0923-2629642, Boy Pestaño at 0929-5684458 or FIDE Arbiter Marvin Ruelan at 0926-7352951. — (FREEMAN)