Ty defends overall crown in annual CEPCA tourney

CEBU, Philippines – Jimmy Ty, Jr. etched his name in stone as the first ever back-to-back grand champion of the annual Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association tournament, which was staged in conjunction with their Christmas party and fellowship night last Saturday at Lola Saling's Grill and Seafood Restaurant in Barangay Casuntingan, Mandaue City.

The Tacloban City-native pawnpusher leads the top four cast after the five-round double knockout semifinals. The rest of the survivors were Rey Flores, NM Arnold Cadiz and Rosendo Yamyamin.

In the double knockout crossover finals, Ty defeated Yamyamin, while Cadiz outlasted Flores. Ty, however, prevailed over Cadiz to retain his overall crown. Last year, he also topped the CEPCA 'Battle of Champions' after edging out Peterson Sia.

For his feat, Ty, a civil engineer connected with Primary Structures Corporation, took home P5,000. Cadiz settled for second place followed by Yamyamin and Flores.

Former Cebu City Mayor Alvin B. Garcia was on hand to award the beautifully-crafted trophies and cash prizes to the winners. He was assisted by CEPCA President Engr. Jerry Maratas, former prexy Jojo Muralla, CEPCA founder Boy Pestaño, and sports committee chairman Jun Olis.

Garcia also formally inducted the nine new members of the club. They are Edwin Cablao, Therese de la Torre, Dominic Morre, Denster Abella, Harvey Jane Hirvano, Jessa Balbona, Mario Bustillo, Regelito Hortelano, and Norman Martin Olayvar.

Meanwhile, Jojo Muralla stole part of the show after winning the non-qualifiers tilt. He subdued Caesar Fernandez in his final assignment and that was enough to catapult him to the top spot with 4.5 points.

Jessa Balbona, Mario Bustillo and Andrew Balbona were tied with 4.0 points apiece, but Balbona snared the second place honors by virtue of a superior tie-break output. (FREEMAN)