Manila players dominate again, rule Jojo Dondon Super Blitz 5 chessfest

CEBU, Philippines —  Manila-based players John Ranel  Morazo, Sherwin Tiu and Jerome Villanueva swept the top three spots of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA)-organized Jojo Dondon Super Blitz 5 over the weekend.

Morazo, a former standout of the Far Eastern University (FEU) and Tiu, currently a member of the Philippine Christian University (PCU) varsity team, both finished with 12.0 points but Morazo claimed the top spot courtesy of a higher tie-breaker.

Villanueva of Adamson University tallied 11.5 points to place solo third in the virtual tilt sponsored by US-based Cepcan and US candidate master Engr. Josito “Jojo” Clamor Dondon of Allen, Texas.

National Master Merben Roque and International Master Barlo Nadera posted 10.5 points each to settle for fourth and fifth while Antonio Cabibil wound up sixth with 10.0 points.

The top 3 Cebuano performers were Allan Pason, NM Rommel Ganzon, and NM Hadper Rom. There other top 3 were Peterson Sia, Rosendo Yamyamin, and Josito Dondon in Cepcans A, and Leo Cortes, Richard Ouano, and Nicanor Cuizon in Cepcabs B.

Laila Nadera, a varsity player of the Ateneo de Manila University, emerged as the top female finisher.

Meawhile, the other top winners of the CEPCA weekly tournaments were Jonard Labadan in the Architect Fil Kapuno III Blitz, Antonio Cabibil in the CEPCA Blitz, and Rey Flores in the Prexy Jerry Maratas Arena. — EBV