Bacolod’s Montoya dominates Deep Blue chessfest

CEBU, Philippines - Bacolod City's Edcel Montoya outsmarted Cebu's hometown pride Anthony Makinano in their knockout final match to rule the inaugural edition of the 1st Cebu Deep Blue Christmas Chess Open last Sunday at the Deep Blue 'D Woodpusher’s Club at the second level of SM City-Cebu.

For his feat, Montoya returned to the City of Smiles with a P15,000 paycheck that went along with a limited edition Zoo York wrist watch worth P25,000 courtesy of Deep Blue 'D Woodpusher's Club owners Molit and Maricris Hortelano.

Montoya outwitted Allan Salientes to advance into the championship round opposite Makinano, who booted out fellow Cebuano player Rommel Ganzon.

Makinano took home P8,000, while Salientes and Ganzon received P3,000 each. Fiel, Bryll John Arellano, Michael Joseph Pagaran and Diano got P1,500 apiece for making it to the quarterfinal stage.

US-based Cebuano GM Enrico Sevillano could only land at joint 9th to 16th place in a strong field of over 100 pawnpushers all over the country.

The three-day tournament "for a cause" was sponsored Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo Garcia in association with Atty. Mariano Tan, Carlos Tan, Jongjong Melendez, Atty. Ben Harayo, Engr. Jhon Capital, Rene Bacolod, Engr. Ehti Dominguito, Kitting Moro, Kobe Roleda, Nestor Encallado and Atty. Tom Riveral of OPASCOR.

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old Sevillano will conduct a 20-board simultaneous chess exhibition at 2:00 this afternoon at Colonnade Mall.

The two-time Olympian will go up against selected members of CEPCA (Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association) and some top kiddie, female and junior players. Those who will be able to beat Sevillano will receive P200 and P100 for a draw. —  with Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)