All in the family

Sevillano beats GM uncle Econg 
By Iste S. Leopoldo

It was a game between GM Sevillano against 25 selected players that was organized by the Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (Cepca) through Colonnade mall president Renato Avila, who also played during the simultaneous game.

“I couldn’t believe that I was able to beat him. This is the first time that I played against him and I won,” said Rhenzi Kyle who is a varsity player of the University of San Carlos and recently won the Milo Little Olympics National title this year.

Rhenzi Sevillano learned to play chess at the age of three. His father Napoleon, the brother of GM Sevillano, influenced him.

Rhenzi Sevillano said he was using a French defense and got a material advantage over GM Sevillano to force him to resign and secure the win after 40 moves.

“This is a rare opportunity that we have the honor to play against one of the Cebuano grandmasters,” Young Sevillano said.

The other two Cebuano grandmasters are Joseph Sanchez and Richard Bitoon As of press time, there were about several chess players playing with GM Sevillano. 

So far, he had finished off with two draws from Fabio Abujeco and SPO4 Ruel Hortelano then beat Rene Casia, Jeffrey Solis, Jermoh Tequillo and Cesar Capili.

Those who remained were Aldwin Daculan, Kraig Quinaian, Jun Pasion, Gabby Misterio, Joe Atillo, Boy Tumulak, Jessa Balbona, KC Moralla, Jethro Claro, Diego Klaro, Felix Balbona, Felix Shaun Balbona,Miguel Tequillo,Jennoh Tequillo, Daniel Minoza, James Paraon, Emmanuel Arcamo, Betz Hayag,Cesar Capili, Francis Paraon. 

GM Sevillano was once an Asian Junior’s Champion in 1986, a member of the Philippine Chess Olympian team and become a US chess open titlist in 2000.

Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph