Mallorca, Cablao reign supreme in CEPCA “Battle of Champions”

CEBU, Philippines — Wild card entry Marquis Angelo Mallorca and Dr. Edwin Cablao topped their respective divisions in the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association’s year-end tournament billed as the “Battle of Champions” last Sunday, December 15, at the Rolaye Cebu Estates residence of longtime CEPCA President Engr. Jerry Maratas in Consolacion, Cebu.

The 12-year-old Mallorca, a mainstay of BRD Chess Academy under the tutelage of International Master Joel Pimentel, grabbed the Class A crown after completing the 5-round Swiss system competition with the highest output of 4.5 points.

Mallorca from Lapu-Lapu City outsmarted his veteran opponents in Rosendo Yamyamin, Arena Candidate Master Peterson Sia, National Master Arnolito Cadiz, and Amado Olea Jr. before fighting to a draw with NM Rogelio Enriquez Jr. in the final round that was all he needed to take home the P5,000 champion’s purse.

Olea and Enriquez both finished with 4.0 points but Olea claimed the P3,000 second prize courtesy of a higher tiebreaker applying the Bucholz system.

Cablao, a doctor of education, shared the limelight with Malorca after clinching the Class B title.

Cablao was actually tied with Leo Cortes who also finished with 4.5 points but Cablao pocketed the P5,000 first prize by virtue of a superior tiebreak points.

Jonathan Canque settled for third place with 3.5 points. — (FREEMAN)