CEBU, Philippines - John Lester Belano hurdled his last assignment against Aaron Resma and that was all he needed to top the March edition of the 'Little Wesley So Cup' last Sunday at the Knight Attack Chess Cafe in Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
Belano finished the 7-round Swiss system competition with the highest output og 6.0 points. He won his first two games against Shaun Cogonon and TJ Tatoy before settling for a draw with Jave Peteros. He again nailed back-to-back victories against Lawrence Paradela and Raniel Perando before figuring in a standoff with Jerish John Velarde in round six.
Velarde went on to claim the second place honors. He was actually tied with Peteros, who also posted 5.5 points, but got the higher placing by virtue of a superior tie-breaker.
Resma and Tatoy placed fourth and fifth, respectively, with 5.0 points.
The montly tournament for aspiring Cebuano chess players aged 12 years old and below is organized by the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) under the dynamic leadership of Engr. Jerry Maratas. (FREEMAN)