MANILA – Negros Kingsmen and Iloilo Kisela Knights reached the Southern Division semifinals of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) second conference after sweeping their quarterfinals foes on Wednesday night.
The Kisela Knights easily defeated Cagayan de Oro in the two-set quarterfinals match — 16.5-4.5 in the first set (4.5-2.5 in blitz and 12-2 in rapid) and 17-4 in their second set (6-1 in blitz and 11-3 in rapid).
Cesar Mariano, Karl Victor Ochoa, Cherry Ann Mejia, Rogelio Antonio Jr., Rolly Parondo Jr., and Fritz Bryan Porras played a key role in Kisela Knights’ first set win over Cagayan de Oro.
Ochoa, Mejia, Antonio, Parondo, John Michael Silvederio, and Porras, meanwhile, carried the fight for the Kisela Knights in the blitz and rapid event of their quarterfinals second set match with CDO.
The Kingsmen, on the other hand, barged to the next round of competition following a two-set quarterfinals victory against Surigao — 14.5-6.5 in the first set (4.5-2.5 in blitz and 10-4 in rapid) and 12-9 in second leg (3-4 in blitz and 9-5 in rapid).
David Elorta, Mari Turquiza, Ellan Asuela, Ted Ian Montoyo and Edsel Montoya played a vital role in Negros’ lopsided first set triumph over Surigao.
In the second set, the Kingsmen faltered in blitz but managed to bounce back in the rapid game courtesy of two-pointers by Elorta, Turquiza, Montoyo and Montoya and a draw by Asuela.
The Kisela Knights and the Kingsmen are set to face each other in a two-leg Southern Division semifinals round on Saturday evening.
“It will be a big challenge for us because we were beaten by Negros the last time we faced them. Negros is a tough team so we have to prepare for them,” Iloilo head coach Hubert Canto said.
“We have been looking forward for this match-up with top seed Iloilo as it will be our litmus test on how far can the team go. If we can beat the top seed in the Southern Division, the odds will shift on our favor going forward,” said Negros team manager Nayk Segismar./PN
