Velarde wins May title in CEPCA monthly

CEBU, Philippines - John Velarde topped the May edition of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) monthly tournament last Sunday at the EGI Resort and Hotel in Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.

After drawing a bye in the first round, Velarde, the Central Visayas coordinator of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), swept his next four games against Manny Manzanares, Naureen Bagano, Jun Kidlat and KC Morala to finish the five-round Swiss system competition with the highest output of 4.5 points.

 Velarde, thus, earned a spot under Group B in the grand finals that is also known as the 'Battle of Champions' this December alongside Manuel Abucay, Adrian Val Paraiso, Mario Bustillo and Jun Kidlat.

Jave Peteros, last month's winner, Ruel Hortelano and Percy Fiel all finished with 4.0 points but Peteros claimed the second place honors by virtue of a higher tie-breaker.

Morala completed the top five list with 3.5 points.

After the tournament, the Cepcans led by their president Engr. Jerry Maratas formally inducted into office their new members in Gerry Dignos of OPASCOR and Willy Lozada, a computer engineer. (FREEMAN)