Iloilo Kisela Knights fortifies their campaign in the ongoing Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Filipino Conference.

The team of Leo Sotaridona defeated Cebu in the first game, 17-4 before shutting down Zamboanga, 13-8.

The Ilonggos opened the evening the game with a victory over Cebu to maintain its Southern Division Top one with 29-4 slate.

The Kisela Knights edged Cebu in blitz game, 5-2, behind victories by Giovanni Mejia (Board 1), Horizon Villanueva (Board 2), Fiona Geeweneth Guirhem (Board 3), Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Board 4) and Rolly Parondo Jr. (Board 5). They also defeated Cebu in rapid event, 12-2, with two-pointers by Mejia, Guirhem, Antonio, Parondo, Cesar Mariano (Board 6) and Mark Mariano (Board 7).

Karl Victor Ochoa (Board 2), Cherry Ann Mejia (Board 3), Antonio, Parondo and John Michael Silvederio (Board 5) secured the 5-2 win in blitz before two-pointers from Mejia, Antonio, Silvederio and Fritz Bryan Porras (Board 7) sealed the deal.

According to Ochoa, they were able to test out different ideas and was able to maintain the top south spot with a large margin going into quarterfinals.

“We look forward to bringing home the finals victory and to have another go for a showdown with our brothers from the north division and if God’s will, become the Overall champion,” he added.

For Guirhem, she said the results are good and she looks forward to reach the finals.

“Na look forward ko man nga since patapos na ang elims, mas grabe pa gid ang mga preparations sang mga teams kay manug quarter finals na kag hoping man nga nami gid ang results sang team Iloilo sa mga nabilin nga games,” she explained.

The Iloilo-based professional chess team will face Tacloban on March 23 for their last elimination game.

Meanwhile, Negros Kingsmen split their matches after falling to Zamboanga in the first game, 12-9, before bouncing back with a 15.5-5.5 win over Tacloban. They have 21-12 win loss card.

The Kingsmen outplayed Tacloban in the blitz game, 6.5-1.5, with David Elorta (Board 1), Natori Diaz (Board 3), Adrian Pacis (Board 4), Ellan Asuela (Board 5), Edsel Montoya (Board 6) and Ted Montoyo (Board 7) scoring wins and Mari Turqueza (Board 2) settling for draw. They also defeated Tacloban in blitz game, 9-5, behind wins by Elorta, Turqueza, Diaz and Montoyo and a draw by Asuela.

With one game remaining all teams are gearing up for the division playoffs where teams will clash for the coveted seat to the Grand Finals.IMT Sports