CEBU, Philippines - Francisco "Jun" Kidlat, Jr. fought to a draw with Rey Flores in the final round and that was all he needed to rule the June 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.
Kidlat finished the five-round Swiss system competition with the highest output of 4.5 points to qualify for the grand finals this December together with lawyer Jong Melendez, NM Arnold Cadiz, Percival Fiel, Maggi Dionson, and Manuel Abucay.
Before settling for a draw with Flores, Kidlat, who operates a car rental business based in Lapu-Lapu City, tallied four straight wins against new members Engr. John Velarde and Peterson Sia, Dr. Ben Rodriguez, and Maggi Dionson.
Jerry Maratas, Manual Abucay and Vincent de la Torre posted identical 4.0 points, but Maratas took the second place honors courtesy of a superior tie-break output. Abucay and De la Torre took the next two spots, while Flores completed the top five list with 3.5 points.
A total of 23 CEPCA members took part in the event handled by international arbiter Marvin Ruelan. Jun Olis served as tournament director.
Meanwhile, CEPCA engaged players from the B/G Benito Ebuen Air Base in a friendly 10-board, 2-game match last Saturday at Kidlat's residence. Cepca won handily after two rounds, 14-6.
Aside from Kidlat, CEPCA was manned by Jojo Muralla, Mike Banibane, Jun Olis, Ruel Hortelano, Jerry Maratas, Boy Pestaño, Cesar Fernandez, and Jeffrey Solis. From the Airforce side were Amado Olea, Lodge Fabillar, Bryan Badiola, Randy Patalinghug, Christopher Lim, Rafael Caiboy, Jr., Remington Esteller, John Mark del Rio, and Aldwin Daculan. — EBV (FREEMAN)