CEPCA February qualifying tourney set this pm

CEBU, Philippines - The February edition of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) monthly qualifying tournament will be contested today starting at 2 p.m. at Handuraw Pizza along Gorordo Avenue, this city.

CEPCA sports committee chairman Jun Olis said this year, the participants are classified into two groups - A for for higher rated players and B for the average and lower-ranked pawnpushers. This is being done to give the average/low rated players a level playing field that may eventually interest them to join the tournament  more often.

Also, the club revives its "CEPCA Kids Program" wherein children of club members may join the competition. Likewise, they will be classified according to their level of skills.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in the two groups aside from the chance to qualify in the year-ending grand finals also known as the 'Battle of Champions'.

Meanwhile, the top performers of the January leg were Yves Christian Fiel, Felix Shaun Balbona, and Rey Flores for group A and Regelito Hortelano, Ruel Hortelano, and Manny Abucay for group B.— EBV (FREEMAN)