Iloilo Kisela Knights finally took revenge to archrival Camarines Soaring Eagles after the latter ended their campaign in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) GM Wesley So, following a defeat in the semis round.

The Leo Sotaridona-owned team emerged victorious in the Southern Division and successfully booked the finals ticket for a chance of coveting the overall title.

It was a thrilling match up between Iloilo Kisela Knights and top-seed Camarines but the Ilonggos put a dazzling show and pulled off the hard-earned victory, 2-1.

In the first match, both teams started to bring in their ace games, resulting to a 10.5 points all. During the armageddon, GM Joey Antonio, import GM Hovhannes Gabuzyan, and Karl Viktor Ochoa failed to draw the first blood

Kisela, despite the first game loss, got even motivated in the second clash, but came up short in the blitz category. Good thing, Oton chesser NM John Michael Silvederio continued his winning momentum with Iloilo winning the rapid, for a 12.5-8.5 victory.

“Same as before man gyapon, we look and view their games. Kag nalantaw ang openings nga pirme nila nagamit kag amu ang tun-an kag gahampang kami lot of games man para ma improve amun reflexes kag ma use kami sa pressure when it comes to crucial positions especially kung ga panic time na,” shared Silvederio.

The deciding game was a scintillating one, with GMs’ Antonio and Gabuyzan and Ochoa fielding in for armageddon. IKK remaining teammates hope for a good result while witnessing a nerve-racking clash of their trio. In the end, Iloilo made revenge and eliminated Camarines, which beat them twice in the eliminations.

With the victory, Iloilo advances to the finals of the PCAP Southern Conference and will face Cordova this weekend.

For Sotaridona, he said they are preparing wise for the finals, especially that this will be their chance to get the title.

“We are housing our HGs so they can fully make use of our training resources in-house and save time and money traveling back and forth. We have to strategize with board placement and customize each individual preparation targeted more fully on expected board opponent(s),” he added.IMT