Will Iloilo Kisela Knights make history in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) as the first team to finish undefeated in the elimination round?
The Leo Sotaridona-owned professional chess team is unstoppable as they cruised to 15-0 win-loss card, the only team with no loss in the ongoing Wesley So Cup.
As the reigning champ, Iloilo fortified their campaign after ruling the Southern Division. They outplayed Mindoro 16.5-4.5 before an 11.5-9.5 escape over Cavite in the second clash.
“At 15-0 to date is already impressive but it will be history-making to finish the conference undefeated. The team is excited and is ready to make that happen,” said Sotaridona.
With collaborative effort, IKK ruled the blitz in the first match against Mindoro, 5.5-1.5, thanks to Karl Victor Ochoa (Board 1), Hovhannez Gabuzyan (Board 2), Cherry Ann Mejia (Board 3), Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Board 4), and Cesar Mariano (Board 7) and a draw by Rolly Parondo Jr. (Board 5).
They also fired off their opponent in the rapid, 11-3, with full two-points each by Ochoa, Mejia, Antonio, John Michael Silvederio (Board 6) and Mariano and a draw by Parondo.
It was a scintillating match against Cavite in the blitz as they were forced to a 3.5-3.5 deadlock with only Gabuzyan (Board 1), Antonio and Silvederio getting the full points and Fiona Geeweneth Guirhem (Board 3) settling for a split.
The homegrown players also stepped up their game performance in the rapid to outpoint the Caviteños, 8-6, courtesy of Gabuzyan, Guirhem and Silvederio and one point each by Parondo and Fritz Porras (Board 7).
For Silvederio who saved the day following his crucial points, said he is clueless that his game will determine the win for Kisela.
“Actually wala ko idea ang game ko ang deciding game. Medyo may slight edge ko sa middle game then pag end game na, na losing gulpi. Pero kay panic time na kami sang kontra ko, gin pilit ko awayon ang position. Kibot ko, siya pa una ubos time. Ang time ko is .04 seconds tapos kontra ko is zero. May swerte ang game nga to. Hehe, ” he shared.
Meanwhile, Team Manager Hubert Canto said they want to make history that’s why they consider every game seriously.
“We’re trying our best to make history as the only undefeated team in PCAP. Sana tuloy tuloy para madepensahan namin title namin as the reigning SGM Wesley So Cup Champion,” he disclosed.
Meanwhile, it was not a lucky night for Negros Kingsmen after they lost their two games against two powerhouse teams – San Juan, 11.5-9.5 and Pasig, 13-8. They dropped their record to 10 wins and five losses.IMT Sports
