Sevillano, Nadera sizzle in CEPCA U-16 chessfest

CEBU, Philippines - Rhenzy Kyle Sevillano and Laila Camel Nadera topped their respective divisions in the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) under-16 rapid tournament for boys and girls last Sunday at the Deep Blue Cafe in SM City-Cebu.

Sevillano scored a crucial win over Duane Borgonia in the final round to reign supreme in the boys category with 6.5 points.

Sevillano and Felix Shaun Balbona actually finished the 7-round Swiss system competiton with 6.5 points each, but Sevillano took the top spot courtesy of a higher tie-break output. Jethro Ysmael Claro wound up third with six points, while Christian Klent Pondyo and James Andrew Balbona completed the top five finishers.

In the girls glass, Nadera settled for a draw with Jeremy Rose Bajo in the last round and that was all she needed to take home the champion's trophy with 6.5 points.

Vic Glysen Derotas, who ended her campaign with a resounding victory over Sheila Mae Diloy, copped the second place honors with 6.0 points. Diloy, Bajo and Alphecca Gonzales round up the top five list with 5.0 points apiece.

Aside from trophies and cash prizes, the top three finishers in both categories also earned berths to the Batang Pinoy National Finals scheduled later this year.

Organized by CEPCA led by its president Jojo Muralla, the two-day event was also made possible through the support of chess patron Engr. Benjamin "Bogie" Lim of Rose Pharmacy. The games were supervised by FIDE Arbisters Felix Poloyapoy, Jr. and Marvin Ruelan.

There's practically no rest for the aspiring Cebuano pawnpushers as they now gear up for the Cebu leg of the 21st Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship this weekend also at the Events Centre of SM City-Cebu.

 (FREEMAN)