It was not the usual online tournaments just like the previous conferences, but Iloilo Kisela Knights proved their sterling performance as they snatched three wins in the first over the board (OTB) matches of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) at the Estancia Mall in Pasig City.

Bannered by GM Joey Antonio, the Iloilo-based professional chess team owned by Leo Sotaridona impressed the crowd after beating Davao, 11-8. The Ilonggos have a sluggish opening against the Davaoenos with the latter securing a 4-3 blitz win. However, IKK managed to crawl back and outplayed Davao in rapid, 8-4.

Dubbed as Iron man of PCAP, GM Antonio easily scored three points in Board 1, while National Master Gio Mejia (Board 1), Karl Victor Ochoa (Board 2) and Rolly Parondo (Board 6) have contributed two points each.

The lone lady chesser, Cherry Ann Mejia, settled for 1.5 points in Board 3 while Guimaras pride Fritz Bryan Porras scored 0.5 of the possible three points in Board 5. Mark Jossel Mariano lost his blitz and rapid game in Board 7.

“Well, I am very impressed how the PCAP handled the first OTB sa Estancia. Well-deserved applause kay Chairman Michael Ong chua and Com Paul Elauria. Para sa akin mas maganda ang OTB kasi naiiwasan ang possible cheating,” shared Antonio.

Moreover, Kisela Knights was unstoppable as they walloped Toledo Trojans, 15-6, followed by a close 11-10 escape over Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates in the second day of the competition.

Earlier, Iloilo and Negros clashed against each other with both teams tied at 10.5. The Armageddon game was postponed next week.

To recall, the PCAP launched the chess tournaments via online and it was the first time that all competing teams gathered in Pasig for the opening and first face-to-face matches.

It’s a good start for PCAP to have an OTB tournament. Makikita kasi talaga kung sino magaling not only sa online but also sa OTB. A successful opening ceremony hosted by Pasig. Thank you so much sa bumubuo ng PCAP,” said IKK coach Hubert Canto.

Before the start of the Third Conference, the Kisela Knights also received their trophy after winning first runner up in the 2022 PCAP Wesley So Cup. They also garnered individual awards – GM Antonio as the Best Player of the Conference and GM Hovhannes Gabuzyan as the Best Import.

For Sotaridona, he said Iloilo is the only team with a very stable lineup. The core team of main players and alternates are pretty much the same since the conception of PCAP.

“Because the other teams are continuously evolving, so are strategy against them. This 3rd conference, the defending champion had its top board overhauled so it gonna be interesting how we are going to approach maximizing our chances. While our team being stable would mean the other teams are too familiar with our typical lineups, we still think we have the needed flexibility that most other teams do not have,” he added.

Sotaridona also stressed that their team is always in the grand finals several times.

“Our team is getting better and stronger and I am hopeful the force be on our side this conference to complete the unfinished business we started a year ago,” he shared.IMT Sports