MANILA – Iloilo Kisela Knights and Negros Kingsmen split their matches in the 2022 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday night.
The Kisela Knights opened their double-header with a 15-6 triumph over Toledo Trojans before suffering an 11.5.9.5 defeat to Surigao for a 26-3 record, still on top of the Southern Division standings.
Iloilo faltered Toledo in the blitz game, 3-4, with only Karl Victor Ochoa (Board 2), Cherry Ann Mejia (Board 3) and Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Board 4) scoring victories.
Kisela Knights responded with a dominant 12-2 win over Toledo in rapid event behind two pointers from Cesar Mariano (Board 1), Ochoa, Mejia, Antonio, Rolly Parondo Jr. (Board 6) and John Michael Silvederio (Board 7).
Kisela Knights head coach Hubert Canto admitted that it was a tough double header for the Ilonggos, particularly against Surigao, which defeated Iloilo for the second time this season.
“This was the second time we were beaten by Surigao this season. It was really unfortunate but we will be learning from our mistakes in this two matches,” Canto said.
The Kingsmen, for its part, also came from a split as it bowed to Surigao, 12-9, before recovering with 11.5-9.5 escape over Cagayan de Oro. They currently have 18-11 win-loss slate.
Negros walloped Cagayan de Oro in the blitz event, 5.5-1.5, with victories from David Elorta (Board 1), Randy Segarra (Board 2), Ellan Asuela (Board 5), Edsel Montoya (Board 6) and Alvin Alcala (Board 7) and a draw by Adelaide Lim (Board 3).
The Kingsmen, however, faltered in the rapid event, 6-8, with only Segarra gaining the full two points and Alfredo Dumalag (Board 4), Asuela, Montoya and Alcala settling for split.
“We still need to work things out. It is already several playdates that we are settling for split,” said Negros team manager Nayk Segismar. “We just have to be consistent since playoffs is just around the corner.”/PN
