US-based Cepcans back up CEPCA monthly tourney

CEBU, Philippines - They may be miles away, but their support for local chess never flinch.

Three members of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association who are now based in the United States have extended a helping hand for the staging of the October edition of the CEPCA monthly tournament scheduled on the 26th at Handuraw Pizza along Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City.

Jojo Dondon, Mitch Vergara and Gilbert Ababat serve as the main backers of the upcoming event that will be spiced up by the entry of six lady varsity players from different Cebu universities, according to CEPCA sports committee chairman Jun Solis.

The champion of the five-round Swiss system competition will take home P2,000, while the second and third placers will earn P1,500 and P1,000, respectively. The fourth and fifth will get P800 and P700.

The sixth to 10th will receive a consolation prize of P500 apiece, while the top three ladies will take P700, P500 and P300. The special prizes for ladies are courtesy of Ross Yamyamin, Serge Borres and Handuraw Pizza.

Aside from the cash bounty, the top performer will also advance into the year-ending "Battle of Champions" this December together with early qualifiers Jimmy Ty Jr., Carlo Maraat, Tony Cabibil, Rosendo Yamyamin, Rey Flores, Peterson Sia, Arnold Cadiz, Jerry Maratas, and Harrison Chua. — (FREEMAN)