CEBU, Philippines - Manuel Abucay settled for a draw with Maggi Dionson in his final assignment but that was all he needed to rule the May edition of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) monthly tournament last Sunday at the Deep Blue Cafe situated at the second level of SM City-Cebu.
Abucay, who works at the Mandaue City Engineering Department, finished the five-round Swiss system competition with the highest output of 4.5 points. He now qualifies for the grand finals this December together with lawyer Jong Melendez, NM Arnold Cadiz, Percival Fiel, and Maggi Dionson.
For May, Jun Olis, Maggi Dionson and Ruel Hortelano ended their campaigns with identical 3.5 points, but Olis took the second place honors by virture of a higher tie-breaker. Olis, who is also the tournament director, tamed Nicnic Climaco in his final match, while Hortelano outlasted Antonio Barade.
Mike Banibane, who beat Jun Kidlat in the last round, completed the top five list with 3.0 points.
The monthly tilt is being supervised by international arbiter Marvin Ruelan. (FREEMAN)