CEBU, Philippines — Mario Bustillo dominated the joint September and October qualifying of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) monthly tournament last Sunday at the Knight Attack Chess Cafe in Robinsons Galleria de Cebu.
Bustillo defeated Joe Atillo, Jonas Bajo and Edgar Cimafranga and settled for a draw with Ruel Hortelano and Eddie Flores for a total of 4.0 points, the highest in the five-round Swiss system competition.
Bong San Pascual and Eddie Flores finished second and third with 3.5 points each.
Since Bustillo already qualified for the year-ending grand finals that is also known as the 'Battle of Champions', San Pascual and Flores took the slots for September and October, respectively.
Aside from Bustillo, San Pascual and Flores, those who already made it to the Group B finals are Adrian Valparaiso, Percival Fiel, John Velarde, Jun Kidlat, Ruel Hortelano, Manny Abucay and Martin Kwan.
The remaining two slots will be contested on November 26 at the same venue.
Meanwhile, CEPCA sports committee chairman Jun Olis said Group A players will automatically be seeded to the grand finals tentatively set on December 17 with no confirmed venue. (FREEMAN)