Cabibil, Padro top Sept. edition of CEPCA monthly

CEBU, Philippines -  Tony Cabibil and Rowena Padro dominated the September edition of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association monthly tournament last Sunday at Handuraw Pizza along Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City.

Cabibil and Felix Shaun Balbona were actually tied with 6.0 points each, but Cabibil took home the first place honors in Group B by virtue of a simple tie. Peterson Sia finished third with 3.5 points followed by Ben Dimaano with 3.0 points.

Despite placing only fourth, Dimaano still advanced to the grand finals since Cabibil and Sia are already finalists, while Balbona is only a guest player.

In group B, Padro, a varsity player from the University of San Carlos, and current CEPCA President Jerry Maratas both ended their campaigns with 4.0 points, but Padro claimed the title by virtue of a superior tie-break output. 

Padro defeated Rafael Bensi, Lefa Bensi, Shaira Monsalud and Jerish Velarde, dropping only one match against to Jun Kidlat. Velarde and Kidlat were at joint third and fourth with 3.5 points apiece.

 However, it was Maratas who advanced to the so-called 'Battle of Champions' this December as Padro is only a guest participant.

The other qualifiers include Rey Flores, NM Arnold Cadiz, Peterson Sia, Rosendo Yamyamin, Tony Cabibil, Jimmy Ty, Jr. Carlo Maraat and Amado Olea for Group A and Regelito Hortelano, Ruel Hortelano, Jun Kidlat, Elmer Odango, Jojo Paredes, Romy Pialan, Edwin Cablao, and Jessa Baldona for Group B.— EBV (FREEMAN)