Cepcans tame Cebu's top lady players

CEBU, Philippines - In a male-dominated game, the members of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association proved too much to handle for their female counterparts.

The Cepcans led by their president Engr. Jerry Maratas prevailed over Cebu's top lady players during their two-game, 23-board exhibition match as part of CEPCA's post-Valentine's Day Special last Sunday at the Knight Attack Chess Cafe in Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

The Cepcans won in the first round, 14.5-8.5 and in the second round, 13.5-9.5 for an aggregate total of 28.0 points as against the ladies' 18.0 points in the final tally.

Former club president Manny Manzanares, Ruel Hortelano, Jam Gonzales, Gabby Misterio, Caesar Fernandez, Jun Limquiaco, Richard Ouano and Denster Abella were among those who completed a two-game sweep of their foes.

Manzanares stamped his class over Mary Margaret Quiñanola, Hortelano bested Rowena Padro, Gonzales tamed Jeremy Rose Bajo, Misterio subdued Charita Barata, while Fernandez outsmarted Althea Monique Bagano.

Limquiaco dominated Lyan Portes, Ouano outplayed Kym Sanchez, while Abella edged Shiela Mae Diloy.

The lady pawnpushers had their fair share of the spotlight, with Aireen Robillos and Cristy Cabungcag scoring a 2-0 shutout of Mer Fernandez and Jeffrey Solis, respectively. Shaira Monsalud upended Maratas, 1.5-5, in the same way with Adelyn Bensi against El Labunog.

Though in the losing end, the ladies still felt like winners after receiving red roses, chocolates and fashion wristwatches from the Cepcans.

Maratas and former Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, an honorary member of the country's longest-existing ches organization that is funded by private individuals, was on hand to make the ceremonial move of the one of a kind event that was made possible through the support of Boojie Lim of Rose Pharmacy, JeMar Engineering Services, Handuraw Pizza, Dr. Darcy Tabotabo, Kelly Uy, Engr. Marvyne Guardiana, Atty. Jennoh Tequillo and Ben Dimaano. (FREEMAN)