Flores, Kidlat shine in CEPCA monthly

CEBU, Philippines – Rey Flores and Jun Kidlat shared the spotlight in the March edition of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) monthly tournament at Handuraw Pizza along Gorordo Avenue, this city.

Flores topped group A for top-rated players with a perfect 5.0 points. Peterson Sia and Felix Shaun Balbona both finished the 5-round Swiss system competition with 3.5 points, but Sia took the second place honors courtesy of a higher tie-break output.

CEPCA sports committee chairman Jun Olis said Sia automatically becomes the March qualifier in group A since Flores is already a qualifier after ruling the January leg.

Kidlat, on the other hand, completed a five-game sweep to reign supreme in group B. Andrew Balbona and Queenie Cablao posted an identical 4.0 points, but Balbona settled for second by virtue of superior tie-breaker.

So far, the finalists are Rey Flores, Arnold Cadiz and Peterson Sia for group A and Regelito Hortelano, Ruel Hortelano, and Jun Kidlat for group B. They will slug it out in the year-ending 'Battle of Champions' this December. — EBV (FREEMAN)