Top seeds live up to lofty billings

CEBU, Philippines - The top-ranked entries led by FIDE Master Anthony Makinano and National Masters Rogelio Enriquez and Arnold Cadiz make high grades even as 22 others also got off to flying starts after two rounds of action in the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) Silver Anniversary Open Tournament yesterday at the open area near Slimmers World at the second level of SM City-Cebu.

This as two proud Cepcans in Jojo Moralla and Jimmy Ty, Jr. also nailed a perfect 2.0 points to the delight of CEPCA President Engr. Jerry Maratas and the rest of their comrades who are organizing the two-day tilt that offers over P50,000 cash bounty to the top performers.

Moralla, former CEPCA prexy who is also a decorated practical shooter, bested Alphecca Gonzales and Roger Ranile, while Ty, the first ever back-to-back grand winner of the annual CEPCA "Battle of Champions”, prevailed over Justin Luis Joseph and Ramon Toledo.

All eyes, however, were focused on Makinano, Enriquez and Cadiz, who all kept their title bids flying high.

Makinano, a former Palarong Pambansa gold medallist, opened his campaign with consecutive wins over Gilberto Baylosis and Edel Vosotros.

The same goes to Enriquez, who subdued Mykha Borgonia and Rafael Perez, while Cadiz outsmarted Jesse de los Santos and John Cadiz.

They are joined into the next round by an equally-strong contenders in the likes of Ronald Ganzon, Rommel Ganzon, Richard Natividad, Edcel Montoya, Felix Shaun Balbona, Mario Mangubat, Carlos Moreno III, Byrle Arellano, Venancio Loyola, Jr. and Bonn Rainauld Tibod.

Also advancing into round three undefeated are Romelio Asoque, Joseph Caballes, Romulo Pialan, Jeremy Pepito, Marc Bryan Villarojo, Ramil Wadim,  Edwel Alesna, Duane Borgonia, Adrian Basilgo, and Charita Jacobs.

The champion in the 9-round Swiss system competition will pocket P10,000,while the second to fifth placers will receive P7,000, P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000, respectively. (FREEMAN)