THE YEAR-OPENING Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (Cepca) monthly tournament unfolds today starting at 2 p.m. at the Handuraw Pizza-Gorordo.
The monthly tournament for January will follow the five-round Swiss System format.
Two-time Grand Tournament Champion Jimmy Ty Jr. of Tacloban City, Leyte will begin his quest for a rare grand slam as he tries to qualify for the December battle of Champions.
Ty is expected to meet stiff competition from chess tutor Peterson Sia, owner of the biggest collection of chess books in Cebu, whom Ty bested in the final round to bag last year’s overall championship tiara.
Aside from Sia, also starting their campaigns are Rosendo Yamyamin, National Master Arnold Cadiz, Rey Flores, Cepca president Jerry Maratas, Tony Cabibil, Harry Chua, Eduard de la Torre, Maggi Dionson, Amado Olea, and Carlo Maraat.
Also expected are Jojo Muralla, Jessa Balbona, Mario Bustillo and Andrew Balbona.