MANILA – The Iloilo Kisela Knights will vie for its second consecutive title in the 2021 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) San Miguel Corporation-Ayala Land chess championship, which begins on Sept. 15.
According to Leo Sotaridona, owner of the Iloilo-based squad, it will be a tough challenge for the Ilonggos to win back-to-back titles since the third conference will feature foreign chess squads.
“If given a chance, we will go for another title sa third conference,” Sotaridona told Panay News. “It will be challenging for us kasi may mga foreign teams na kasali.”
“However, it is also a great experience for our local players to be given an opportunity to face the best foreign players. It is for their development,” he added.
Following a successful campaign in PCAP’s Wesley So Cup and a bronze medal finish in the first conference, the Kisela Knights chose to keep their lineup intact for the season finale.
“The coaching staff chose not [to] tinker our lineup because naging maganda naman ‘yung run namin with this set of players during our first conference,” Sotaridona shared.
Bannering the squads were Joey Antonio, John Michael Silvederio, Cherry Ann Mejia, Fiona Guirhen, Cesar Mariano, Fritz Bryan Porras, Dennis Bernas, and Karl Ochoa.
Kisela Knights coach Hyubs Canto said the players, particularly from Iloilo, are ready to make another title run in the third conference.
“Since damo ang stronger opponents, especially the foreign teams, sige man gihapon practice sang team Iloilo,” Canto added.
Foreign-based teams from China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore will be competing in the third conference of the first-ever play-for-pay chess league in Asia./PN
