Abellana and Cimafranca: Upcoming Chess Talents from Lapu-Lapu

AJ ABELLANA

In his performance at a tournament in Cebu City on November last year, Ariel Joseph (a.k.a. "AJ") Abellana displayed his chess powers when he beat four of Cebu City's Class A players, of whom among them were Joel Pacuribot, Bonn Tibod, and NM Leonardo Alidani. Although Abellana was not able to get any of the prizes, he certainly shocked Cebu's chess community especially when he was in a winning streak from rounds 2 to 5! A few weeks later, he also had a small match with chess wonder Allan Pason and swept the match with a 4-0 score! 

Despite his great performance in the game, Abellana will not be able to play enough tournaments because of his priorities, and that is his studies. Hopefully, Cebu will see more of him this summer when he can divide his time between chess and studies :)

MARK CARL CIMAFRANCA

Another Lapu talent, Mark Carl Cimafranca, had a very strong showing recently in the latest PNG Cebu City Qualifyig Leg. Cimafranca drew with top seeds Carlos Moreno III and Felix Shaun Balbona in the penultimate rounds, but his chances were extremely narrow to qualify as he was beaten by Kidd Salazar in the early rounds. In the final round, Cimafranca was in a must-win situation with the Black pieces but was held to a draw by University of San Carlos player, Spencer De Guzman. That draw, sealed Cimafranca's fate for having any chance to qualify in the PNG. Yet this is not the end for Lapu-Lapu's Cimafranca, as he still has hopes to win the VMA tournament this Saturday.