Best of the best in Cebu chess to join CEPCA anniversary tilt

CEBU, Philippines - The cream of the crop in Cebu chess featuring a mixture of veteran, neophyte and a bunch of collegiate varsity players are all raring to see action in the cash-rich Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) Silver Anniversary Open Tournament set this weekend at the open area near the Slimmers World at the second level of SM City-Cebu.

The top officials of CEPCA led by their president Engineer Jerry Maratas finalized all the details of what is by far their biggest event during a meeting the other night at Handuraw Pizza. Also present were CEPCA founder Boy Pestaño, Jun Kidlat (treasurer), Ruel Hortelano (auditor), Jun Olis (secretary), Harvey Jane Hilvano (recording secretary), Rolando Moralla (board member), and chief arbiter Marvin Ruelan.

Olis said they are expecting at least 150 pawnpushers to take part in the two-day tilt that offers over P50,000 in cash prize.

The top contenders to watch out are National Masters Merben Roque and Elmer Sungat, and FIDE Master Anthony Makinano. Others tipped as title favorites include Arnold Cadiz, Rogelio Enriquez, Edsel Montoya, Rommel Ganzon, Richard Natividad, Voltaire Sevillano, and Allan Salientes.

Also joining in are Alan Pason, Carlos Moreno III, Bryle Arellano, the Balbona siblings, Joel Pacuribot and a host of collegiate standouts from different universities in Cebu.

The champion in the individual rapid competition that follows a 9-round Swiss system format will go home P10,000 richer. The second to fifth placers will pocket P7,000, P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000, respectively.

The sixth to 10th will receive P1,000 each, while the rest of the top 20 cast will get a consolation prize of P500.

The top three finishers in the kiddies, ladies, and Cepcans category A and B will all receive P1,500, P1,000, and P500. The top seniors players (60-above) will also get a P1,000 bonus.

Registration fee is pegged at P150 for ladies and kiddies (14 years old and below), P200 for Cepcans and seniors, and P300 for regular players.

The organizers will accommodate on-site registration at 10:30 a.m. on September 19. Round one promptly starts right after the formal opening ceremony at 1 p.m.  (FREEMAN)