Bajo wins month

Jonas Dustin Bajo ruled the July qualifying tournament of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (Cepca) Monthly Chess tournament after scoring 4.5 points at the Knight Attack Chess Cafe at the 3rd Level of Robinsons Galleria-Cebu last Sunday.

But since Bajo is a guest player, second placer Nick Cuizon who had 4 points claimed the July slot to the annual grand finals in December.

Cuizon tied for the second to fourth places with Denster Abella and Ruel Hortelano who also finished the 5-Round Swiss System tournament with 4 points, but the former’s higher tie break points gave him second place and the grand finals slot.

Cuizon had 15 tie break points, Abella had 14 and Hortelano earned 11 points.

Bajo defeated Raffy Bensi, Aaron John Resma, Richard Ouano and Abella before drawing with Cuizon in the final round.

Laila Nadera, Cristy Cabungcag and Resma tied at 5th to 7th places after finishing with 3.5 points each, while John Velarde, Dwayne Abella, Jeremy Bajo, Jasia Dorog, Rowena Padro, Naureen Bagano and Richard Ouano scored 3 points each.

Aside from Cuizon, the other qualifiers include Adrian Paraiso ( Jan), Mario Bustillo (Feb), Jun Kidlat (March), Percival Fiel (April) and John Velarde (May) and Ruel Hortelano ( June).

Cash prizes courtesy of past president Jojo Muralla were given to the top five finishers.