After consistently winning in the ongoing Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP), the Iloilo Kisela Knights tasted its second defeat against Pasig City King Pirates, 7-14.
The Iloilo-based professional chess team split their matches over the weekend.
The Ilonggos have sluggish start after scoring two points courtesy of Karl Viktor Ochoa and GM Rogelio Antonio Jr in the blitz category. They tried to bounce back in the rapid category with an early win from Ochoa. However, only NM John Michael Silvederio contributed another win for the squad.
With the second defeat in the conference, Kisela Knights made revenge in the second match at the expense of Olongapo, 12-9.
The Iloilo team got an early 5-2 lead in the blitz category led by NM Giovanni Mejia, NM Rolly Parondo Jr., Ochoa, GM Antonio Jr., and NM Silvederio. Olongapo answered quickly and grabbed a 4-0 lead at the start of the rapid category but Oton native NM Silvederio and NM Parondo Jr. lifted the team to cap the night with a much-deserved victory.
For team owner Leo Sotaridona, he said the King Pirates is a tough competitor and they simply overpowered them during their last encounter.
“While the King Pirates have all the necessary ingredients to succeed, which manifested during our last games, the most relevant and crucial match is the inter-division final match. We have all indication to believe that we are on track for such a final inter-division match, God-willing. Until then, all remaining games are opportunities to learn and improve our preparations,” he added.
With the win, IKK still tops in the Southern division with 289 points but gave up the second overall rank to San Juan. They will return actions on Wednesday and faces Mindoro and Manila.IMT Sports
