Ty, Balbona eye piece of history

CEBU, Philippines – Back-to-back titlist Jimmy Ty, Jr. and lady qualifier Jessa Balbona train their sights on history as they compete in the year-end showpiece event of the annual Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) tournament starting at 1 p.m. today at the Handuraw Pizza Cafe and Resto Bar along Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City.

Ty will try to become the first ever grandslam winner, while Balbona aims to be the first female top finisher in  CEPCA's "Battle of Champions."

Standing in Ty's way for the overall supremacy in group A are Rey Flores, Arnold Cadiz, Tony Cabibil, Amado Olea Jr., Carlo Maraat, Stein Torres, Jojo Muralla, Peterson Sia, Rogelio Enriquez, Ross Yamyamin and Martin Kwan.

For the top honors in group B, Balbona will brace for a tough challenge against Regelito Hortelano, Ruel Hortelano, Jun Kidlat, Elmer Odango, Jerry Maratas, Felix Balbona, Mike Tinga, Jojo Paredes, Michael Ventulan, Edwin Cablao and Romy Pialan.

The top finisher in both groups will receive P2,500, while the second and third placers will pocket P1,500 and P1,000, respectively.

There will also be a side tournament for non-qualifiers, with the top three getting P1,000, P700 and P500.

Assessment fee is pegged at P250 for guests and P500 for club members inclusive of tournament registration, dinner and drinks.

Aside from their final tourney that coincides with their annual Christmas party and induction of new members, the other highlight of CEPCA's breakthrough event is the unveiling of their Silver Anniversary commemorative magazine.

Titled "Silver Shining, CEPCA@25", the 28-page, limited edition magazine spotlights CEPCA's 25 years of existence in Cebu sports community.

Looking back at the storied history of the club since its inception in 1990, the special issue pays tribute to the forerunners of the club led by Engr. Frank "Boy" Pestaño, Atty. Alex Tolentino and businessman Nicnic Climaco, the living remnants of the original 10 founding members of what is now known as the country's longest existing chess organization.

Also featured are the various achievements of CEPCA, its community outreach projects and other noble undertakings geared towards the promotion and development of this famous European boardgame up to the grassroots level in this side of the archipelago. (FREEMAN)