Ty, Balbona eye history in today’s CEPCA 2015 year-end grand final

BACK-to-back champion Jimmy Ty Jr., and lone female finalist Jessa Balbona gun for a piece of Cebu chess history as they compete in the year-end tournament of the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) starting at 1 p.m today at the Handuraw Pizza Cafe and Resto Bar along Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City.

Ty will try to become the tournament’s first ever grandslam winner, while Balbona bids to become the first female champion in CEPCA’s season-ending event dubbed “Battle of Champions.”

However, both players are expected to have their hands full as they are pitted against the club’s best pawnpushers.

Standing in Ty’s way for the overall crown in group A are Rey Flores, Arnold Cadiz, Tony Cabibil, Amado Olea Jr., Carlo Maraat, Stein Torres, Jojo Muralla, Peterson Sia, Rogelio Enriquez, Ross Yamyamin and Martin Kwan.

Challenging Balbona for group B top honors are Regelito Hortelano, Ruel Hortelano, Jun Kidlat, Elmer Odango, Jerry Maratas, Felix Balbona, Mike Tinga, Jojo Paredes, Michael Ventulan, Edwin Cablao and Romy Pialan.

The top finisher in both groups will receive P2,500 and a year-long bragging rights. The second and third placers will pocket P1,500 and P1,000, respectively. There will also be a side tournament for non-qualifiers, with the top three getting P1,000, P700 and P500.

Registration fee is pegged at P250 for guests and P500 for club members inclusive of tournament registration, dinner and drinks.

Aside from their final tourney which coincides with their annual Christmas Party and induction of new members, the other highlight of the event is the unveiling of their Silver Anniversary commemorative magazine.

Titled “Silver Shining, CEPCA@25,” the 28-page, limited edition magazine highlights CEPCA’s 25 years of existence.