Playing superb in three consecutive matches, Iloilo Kisela Knights is serious in defending their Wesley So Cup title.
The Leo Sotaridona-owned professional chess team mishandled Davao in the first game, 14.5-6.5, before shutting down Zamboanga in the second game, 17-4.
Against Davao, the reigning champ was steered by returning import Hovhannes Gabuzyan who led the squad for a 4.5-2.5 blitz win. Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Board 4) and Cesar Mariano (Board 7) and draws from Karl Ochoa (Board 2), Cherry Mejia (Board 3) and Rolly Parondo Jr. (Board 5) added to the Ilonggos’ scoring spree.
“We will defend our title as the reigning Wesley So Cup grand champion. Practice pa din nang practice. With the return of our import, we expect him to deliver wins not only in the elims but most especially in the playoffs,” said team manager Hubert Canto.
IKK also defeated Davao in rapid event, 10-4, with two pointers from Gabuzyan, Antonio and Parondo and splits from Ochoa, Mejia, Fritz Porras (Board 4) and Mariano.
Despite some internet issues, Iloilo still escaped Zamboanga in blitz event, 4-3, with only Ochoa, Mejia, Porras and John Michael Silvederio (Board 7) securing full points. Without hesitation, Kisela Knights overpowered Zamboanga in rapid game, 13-1, with two pointers from Gabuzyan, Ochoa, Mejia, Antonio, Porras and Silvederio and a split from Parondo.
“Our Armenian import was happy to be back playing again for us, something we are also very excited. Now he is more focus to the Wesley So Cup, unlike last year his attention was somewhat divided between our Cup and as world chess champ qualifier. Preparation-wise, our players continuously played lots of games in a regular basis. I’ve got the chance to play with them on several OTB tournaments in Iloilo – we had a great time,” Sotaridona shared.
Meanwhile, Negros Kingsmen also started their campaign with unblemished record. The All-Filipino Kingsmen scored a 14-7 victory against Cebu before following it up with a 20-1 domination against Tacloban despite the absence of their import who is still playing in Vietnam.
Just like Iloilo, Negros also survived a 4-3 victory in the blitz game behind triumphs by David Elorta (Board 1), Joel Pimentel (Board 2), Bernadette Galas (Board 3) and Ellan Asuela (Board 5).
The Kingsmen also hammered Cebu in the rapid game, 10-4, courtesy of wins by Pimentel, Galas, Edmundo Gatus (Board 4) and Asuela and draws by Elorta and Edsel Montoya (Board 7).
The Kingsmen maintained their good momentum as they battered Tacloban with Elorta, Pimentel, Galas, Gatus, Asuela, Alvin Alcala (Board 6) and Ted Ian Montoyo (Board 7) all scoring wins in blitz and rapid events.
