CEBU, Philippines – NM Rogelio Enriquez spoiled the grandslam hopes of two-time champion Jimmy Ty Jr. after emerging as the grand winner under group A of the year-end showpiece event of the Cebu Executives and Professional Chess Association (CEPCA) billed as 'Battle of Champions' last Sunday at Handuraw Pizza Cafe and Resto Bar along Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City.
Enriquez applied an effective Sicilian defense to dethrone Ty after 36 moves in their knockout final match and take home the champion's trophy that goes along with a P2,500 cash prize.
Ty pocketed P1,500, while Peterson Sia received P1,000 for finishing third after outsmarting NM Arnold Cadiz using French defense in 29 moves.
In group B, Michael Tinga fought to a draw with Ruel Hortelano in the final round but it did not matter as he still came out as overall champion with 7.5 points.
Rumolo Pialan wound up second with 6.0 points, while Jun Kidlat and Michael Bentulan both posted 4.0 points to place at joint third and fourth.
In the side event for non-qualifiers, Zelberstein Torres, KC Morala and Laila Nadera ended their campaigns with identical 4.0 points, but Torres bagged the top honors by virtue of a superior tie-break output.
Joe Atillo and John Francis Balbona rounded up the top five with 3.5 points each.
CEPCA's year-ending tilt coincides with their annual Christmas get-together, induction of new members and formal launching of the club's Silver Anniversary commemorative magazine.
Aside from CECPA's top officials led by President Engr. Jerry Maratas and founding members Frank 'Boy' Pestaño and Nic-nic Climaco, the breakthrough event was also graced by Mayor Mike Rama and former mayor Alvin Garcia, both honorary members of the club.— EBV (FREEMAN)