Montoya grabs solo lead in CEPCA Silver anniversary chess tourney

CEBU, Philippines- Cebu-based Bacoleño pawnpusher Edcel Montoya outsmarted the top-ranked Rommel Ganzon to seize the solo lead after six rounds of action in the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) Silver Anniversary Open Tournament yesterday at the open area near Slimmers World at the second level of SM City-Cebu.

Montoya stayed as the only udefeated player with 6.0 points, so far, in this 9-round Swiss system competition that dangles over P50,000 in cash prize to the top performers.

Felix Shaun Balbona and his older brother Marq Gabrielle showed they mean serious business as they locked up in an intense battle resulting in a stalemate. That was all Felix Shaun needed though to assume the second spot by his lonesone with 5.5 points.

Ganzon dropped to third with 5.0 ponts along with FIDE Master Anthony Makinano,  Marc Gabrielle Balbona, Ronald Ganzon, NM Arnold Cadiz, Rosendo Yamyamin, Mario Mangubat, Joseh Caballes, and Santiago Peque.

Makinano and Mangubat bounced back from round five setbacks at the expense of Ramil Wadim and Edwel Alesna, respectively, to keep their championship hopes alive.

In the running for at least top 20 spots were Wadim, Allan Salientes, Aldwin Daculan, Richard Natividad, and Rodrigo Alejandre with 4.5 points each.

Aside from the P10,000 bounty, the champion will also take home a digital chess clock courtesy of Cebuano sports patron Boogie Lim. The second to fifth placers will receive P7,000, P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000. They will all receive fabulous trophies donated by Kelly Uy and Andrew Aznar. (FREEMAN)