Cablao clinches February title of CEPCA monthly

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) resumed its monthly tournament after a four-year break with Edwin Cablao reigning supreme in the February edition staged last Sunday at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Cablao completed the five-round Swiss system competition with a perfect 5.0 points to pocket the P1,200 champion’s purse.

After enjoying a first-round bye, Cablao went on to outsmart Jun Albert Colonia, Reynaldo Flores, National Master Leonardo Alidani, and Romualdo “Jojo” Muralla for a clean sweep in the one-day tilt spearheaded by longtime CEPCA President Engr. Jerry Maratas.

Antonio Cabibil and Amado Olea, Jr. both ended their campaigns with 4.5 points but Cabibil took the second place honors courtesy of a higher tiebreaker.

With this, Cabibil joined Cablao to the grand finals billed as the “Battle of Champions”, which is CEPCA’s traditional year-ending event this December. 

Olea wound up third, while Rosendo Yamyamin and Flores occupied the fourth and fifth spots, respectively, with 4.0 points apiece.

Meanwhile, Cabibil and Olea emerged as the best players in Class A and Cablao and Richard Ouano in Class B.

The other top performers in their categories were Flores (seniors 60-above), Nefriterry Conde (female), and Duane Gabriel Esmoso (kiddies 12 Under).