Tacloban City’s Jimmy Ty Jr. became the first of 12 monthly qualifiers to the yearend Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) grand finals when he topped the qualifying tournament last January.
The other night, Ty became the group’s last winner of 2014 when he bested the other monthly winners in the CEPCA ‘Battle of Champions’ grand finals at Lola Saling’s Grill and Seafood Restaurant in Barangay Casuntingan, Mandaue City.
It was the second straight yearend crown for the 28-year-old Ty, who beat chess tutor Peterson Sia last year.
Last Sunday’s affair also served as Cepca’s induction of its new members and Christmas party.
Ty blasted Rosendo Yamyamin in the double knockout crossover to arrange a titular duel with National Master Arnold Cadiz, who booted out Rey Flores in the other side of the draw.
Ty then crushed Cadiz, 2-0, in the finals to retain his Cepca ‘Battle of Champions’ crown worth P5,000 cash plus a beautifully-crafted trophy.
The finals was supervised by CEPCA sports commitee chairman Jun Olis and FIDE Arbiter Mavin Y. Ruelan, NM Cadiz settled for 2nd place while Yamyamin and Flores finished third and fourth, respectively.
The other participants in the champions tournament were Cepca president Jerry Maratas, Tony Cabibil, Peterson Sia, Harry Chua, Eduard de la Torre, Maggi Dionson, Amado Olea, and Carlo Maraat.
In the Non-Qualifiers tournament, Jojo Muralla scored 4.5 points to snare the title followed by Jessa Balbona (4.0 points) at 2nd place, Mario Bustillo (4.0 pts) at 3rd and Andrew Balbona (4.0 pts) at 4th spot.
The newly inducted Cepcans are Therese de la Torre, Eduard de la Torre, Rosendo Yamyamin, Jimmy Ty Jr., Edwin Cablao, Jessa Balbona, Jane Harvey Hilbano, Louie Alalim, Fil Ryan Cortez, Dominic Morre, Isen Montero, Regelito Hortelano, Ben Rodriguez, and Denster Abella.
Former Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia inducted the nine new CEPCA members.
A plaque of appreciation was given to the inductees and to some members of the media who have been supportive of the group including Cebu Daily News sportswriter Jade S. Violeta, The Freeman sports editor Emmanuel Villaruel, Sun.Star Cebu’s Rommel Manlosa and Superbalita’s Erwin Lirazan.