Velarde tops Cepca Kiddies Festival

JERISH John Velarde swept all his matches to win the Boys U10 competition of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (Cepca) Kiddies Chess Festival last Sunday at the Robinsons Galleria-Cebu.

Velarde’s victory came a day after he won the silver medal and the bronze medal of the Rapid and Blitz competitions, respectively, in the Batang Pinoy 2016 National Finals in Tagum City

The barely-rested chess ace of Marie Ernestine School defeated Ziare Sadia, Jake Pagu- sara, Jay Harvey Camoin, Joaquin Tiu, Dwayne Abella, Art Solomon Villaran and Dwayne Pahaganas, respectively, on his way to claim the champion’s trophy, a chess clock and a chess set.

Dwayne Vin Abella scored 6.0 points to finish second, after losing to Velarde. He was followed by Pahaganas, Villaran and Justin Luis Vosotros who all finished with 5.0 points.

In the girls side, Edelyn Vosotros of Mabolo Elementary School also swept her five assignments to win the Girls 10-U category.

Vosotros defeated Shannon Mae Barte, Ashanti Merado, Anne Paradela, Nicole Mae Mangubat and Chylle Redellosa.

Charliz Cuambot (4.5pts), Mangubat (3.5), Paradela (3.0) and Eva Joy Talidro (3.0) took the next four spots.

Siblings Aeron Keife and Kirl Charm Sinining of Escalante Central School of Esclante City, Negros Occidental won the Boys and Girls 15-Under title after scoring 6.0 points and 4.5 points, respectively.

Aeron Keife defeated Law- rence Paradela, John Lexus Dazo, drew with Jamon Cajeras and Dwayne Borgonia, and beat James Diloy, Najelle Sarpida and Rolfred Lacanaria then topped Kirk Morala in a tie breaker, 30.5 to 26.5, to win the title. Kirl Charm defeated Jeremy Bajo, Phoena Jane Carredo, drew with Adelyn Bensi, beat Ashley Arrojadro and Marphine Faith Mangubat to win the title.

A total of 87 kiddies players, including five players from Escalante City, competed in the tournament.