NM Rommel Ganzon rules CEPCA Summer Open chessfest

CEBU, Philippines — National Master Rommel Ganzon emerged as champion of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) Summer Open Chess Tournament over the weekend at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Ganzon completed the 7-round Swiss competition with the highest output of 6.5 points to go home P5,000 richer.

Nine out of 165 participants posted an identical 6.0 points but Allan Pason took the second place honors by virtue of a higher tiebreaker. He pocketed P3,000 for his efforts.

International Master Joel Pimentel, Khent Darylle Delig, and Richard Natividad occupied the third to fifth spots.

Rounding up the top 10 were Aller Somosot, Diego Abraham Caparino, NM Rogelio Enriquez Jr., Mario Mangubat, and Venancio Loyola Jr.

Meanwhile, longtime CEPCA president Engr. Jerry Maratas who organized the annual tournament as part of his birthday celebration was doubly happy as his son Jecole came out as the best performer in the boys Under 14 age group followed by Jelleone Alsola and Gian Carlo Catadman.

In the girls U14, the top three finishers were Apple Rubin, Grejah Tuñacao, and Glydel Rodrigo.

The other special awardees were NM Rogelio Enriquez Jr., Venancio Loyola and NM Arnolito Cadiz (top Cepcans A), Jonathan Canque, Leo Cortes, and Edwin Bacaron (top Cepcans B), Edelyn Vosotros (top female), and Aller Somosot (top senior). — (FREEMAN)