CEBU, Philippines - Some of the best and the brightest chess minds in Cebu including a bunch of aspiring players and rising stars will converge today as the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association's 26th Anniversary Cup gets underway at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
The organizing CEPCA expects close to 200 entries in what is by far their biggest and most exciting offering of the year.
Before the tournament proper, a simple opening ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. to be graced by the top officials of CEPCA led by their president Engr. Jerry Maratas alongside Boy Pestano, Nicnic Climaco and Atty. Alex Tolentino, the three surviving members of the original 10 CEPCA founders.
Cebu City Councilor Sinsinio 'Bebs' Andales, a longtime member of club, will deliver an inspirational message as the event's honored guest, while Jun Olis, a Cepcan by birth and by blood, will formally declare the tournament open.
The cash-rich tilt that will run for two days under a 9-round Swiss system format offers over P60,000 in cash prize to the winners in different categories.
The open division champion will go home P10,000 richer, while the second to fifth will receive P7,000, P4,000, P3,000 and P2,000, respectively. The sixth to 10th will take home P1,500 each, the 11th to 15th will receive P1,000, while the 16th to 26th will have a consolation prize of P500.
The top three ladies and Cepcans in category A and B will have a uniform prize of P1,500, P1,000 and P500, while the top three in the kiddies 10-under and 15-under age groups will take home P1,000, P700 and P500.
Entry fee is pegged at P300 for regular players, P200 for Cepcans and P150 for kiddies and ladies. The organizers will accept on-site registration an hour before the competition commences.
For further details, one may keep in touch with Engr. Maratas (0917-7204480), Jun Olis (0923-2629642) or Marvin Ruelan (0926-73529520). (FREEMAN)