CEBU, Philippines - Harrison Chua demolished Amado Olea's Sicilian defense in the final round to rule the September edition of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) monthly tournament last Sunday at Handuraw Pizza along Gorordo Avenue, this city.
Chua finished the 5-round Swiss system competition with a perfect 5.0 points to join the already waiting Atty. Jong Melendez, NM Arnold Cadiz, Percival Fiel, Maggi Dionson, Manuel Abucay, Jun Kidlat, Peterson Sia, Rey Flores and Freddie Casagan in the grand finals set in December.
Chua, a former OFW based in Taiwan but now works at his sister's family-owned Royal Concourse Gourmet, subdued Boy Pestaño in the first round and followed it up with resounding wins over Fabio Abucejo, Ruel Hortelano and Tony Barade.
Hortelano and Jun Kidlat were tied with 4.0 points, but Hortelano took the second place honors by virtue of a superior tie-break output. Olea placed fourth as Mandy Baria completed the top 5 list in the one-day tilt that has attracted a total of 27 Cepcans. (FREEMAN)