Cream of the crop in Cebu chess scene to test each other’s mettle

CEBU, Philippines —  The best of the best in Cebu chess landscape will once again try to outdo each other in the 6th Boy ‘Chessmoso’ Pestaño Memorial Tatluhan Open Chess Tournament marking the 35th founding anniversary of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) on Sunday, November 9, at the Cebu Chess Club located at the 4th floor of Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Games start at 10 a.m.

The Carcar City Team 1 bannered by National Master Elwin Retanal, Arena International Master Clyde Labrador and Charlie Lapus, the ASE Mates manned by NM Arnolito Cadiz, Rosendo Yamyamin and Edwin Cablao, and the Kingslayer composed of Arena Grandmaster Michael Joseph Pagaran, FIDE Master Anthony Makinano and Rey Glenn Patriarca make up the list of early favorites.

Also in the mix for the coveted title are the BCC Slashers of AIM Isagani Luna Jr, Angelo Tan and Alberto Acabo, the Consolacion Chess Club Warriors powered by three Arena International Masters in Janel Infante, John James Lacson and Floresil Trangia, and the visiting Bacolod Blitzers of Theseus Benitez, Reginald de la Peña, and Romeo Sadia III.

Chris Aldritz Pondoyo of Chess Academia de Visayas, Bonn Rainauld Tibod of Pawn Avalanche, Christopher Tubalado of the Toledo Chess Warriors, Richard Natividad of the Tactical Trio, Joel Pacuribot of the Bags of Destiny, Cyril Ortega of Chess4Life, and NM Leonardo Alidani of Knightmare are also expected to their respective squad.

As of this writing, a total of 47 teams have already registered for the competition, which is CEPCA’s  tribute to the late Engr. Francisco “Boy” Pestaño who helped establish what is now the longest existing chess organization outside of Manila back in 1990.

Close to P100,000 in cash prize is at stake for the winners.

Aside from the Jun Olis Trophy in honor of the CEPCA founding member, the champion team will go home P30,000 richer.

The second and third will pocket P20,000 and P10,000, respectively. The fourth to seventh placers will take home P7,000, P5,000, P3,000, and P2,000, while the eighth to 10th will receive P1,500 each.

Additionally, cash incentives will be given away to the top performers in different categories as well as the board medalists of the one-day tilt supported by Jemar Engineering Services, Celjem Construction and Development Corporation, 387 Builders, Inc. and ARQ Sports.