Top chess masters slug it out in CEPCA 33rd anniversary tourney today

CEBU, Philippines — Some of Cebu’s top chess masters will once again test each other’s mettle in the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association’s 33rd Anniversary Tournament billed as the 7th Engr. Boy “Chessmoso” Pestaño Memorial Cup today at the Cebu Chess Club located at the 4th level of Robinsons Galleria Cebu near the cinema area.

Leading the pack of title contenders are International Master Kim Steven Yap, FIDE Master Nelson Villanueva, National Masters Rommel Ganzon and Rogelio Enriquez Jr., and Arena Grandmaster Michael Joseph Pagaran.

Also in the mix of tough challengers are the likes of Anthony Makinano, Diego Abraham Caparino, and Ronald Ganzon.

National Arbiter Kevin Yap said they are expecting the number of entries to snowball as they will be accepting on-site registration before the competition starts at 10:30 a.m.

Close to P50,000 in cash prize will be given away to the winners of the one-day tilt supported by Jemar Engineering Services, Celjem Construction and Development Corporation, and ARQ Sports as major sponsors.

Aside from the specially-crafted Jun Olis Trophy in honor of the late Cepcan, longtime CEPCA president Engr. Jerry Maratas said the champion will also pocket P10,000.

The second to sixth placers will take home P6,000, P4,000, P3,000, P2,000, and P1,500, respectively. The seventh to 10th will receive P1,000 each, the 11th to 15th P700, and the 16th to 25th P500 apiece.

The top two Cepcans (A and B ) will get an incentive of P1,000 and P500 while the top two seniors, ladies, and U8, U12, U16, and U20 players will claim a P700 and P500 bonus.

Entry fee is pegged at P200 for the seniors, ladies, Cepcans and 14-under, and P300 for regular players.

For more inquiries, one may contact Kevin Yap at 0945-8559800. — (FREEMAN)