Gonzales tops 7th qualifying of Cebu Kiddies chessfest

CEBU, Philippines – Alphecca Gonzales lost in her final round assignment against Michael Gocotano but it did not matter as she still emerged as champion in the seventh qualifying round of the School of Chess-organized Cebu Kiddies Championship over the weekend at the School of Chess located at the second floor of Central Books Building, Door 1 GV Building along P. del Rosario Street, Cebu City.

Gonzales and Gocotano actually figured in a four-way tie with Jerish Velarde and James Francis Paraon at the end of the 7-round Swiss system competition with identical 5.5 points, but Gocotano got the highest placing courtesy of a superior tie-break output. Gocotano placed second followed by Velarde and Paraon at third and fourth, respectively.

But since Gonzales already made it the grand finals after topping an earlier qualifying round, Gocotano and Velarde booked the next two tickets to the 'Battle of Champions' set on December 27-29.

They will be joined by James Andrew Balbona, Duane Borgonia, Marphine Faih Mangubat, Jeremy Pepito, Chris Aldritz Pondoyo, Angel Naureen Bagano, Edsel Vosotros, John Lester Belano, Adrian Basilgo, Jeena Balbona, Krizal Gutang, Jave Peteros, Miguel Tequillo, and Edelyn Vosotros.

The eight and final qualifying stage is scheduled on November 22-23 where three slots are at stake.

Aside from trophy and P5,000 cash prize, the grand champion will also enjoy an all-expense paid trip to the 17th Dubai Open Chess Championship in April 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. – EBV) (FREEMAN)