Making an emphatic debut in the 2023 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Filipino Conference, Iloilo Kisela Knights posted its first win after shutting down Mindoro Tamaraws, 19-2.
The Leo Sotaridona-owned take an early lead in the Southern Division standings after playing with an All-Ilonggo lineup.
Scoring 5-2 in blitz event, the team was led by newcomer Jovelyn Sepanton (Board 2), Fiona Guirhem (Board 3), Cesar Mariano (Board 4), Fritz Bryan Porras (Board 6) and Rolly Parondo Jr. (Board 7).
Duplicating its winning performance, the Ilonggos had a shutout 14-0 win against Mindoro in the rapid event with Mark Jossel Mariano (Board 1), Sepanton, Guirhem, Cesar Mariano, Horizon Villanueva (Board 5), Porras and Parondo finishing with full two points each.
“We’re trying our best in every game. It’s our chance for us na ma prove na we can pull a win even if wala na kami veteran players,” said coach Hubert Canto.
Meanwhile, the Negros Island Region also showed impressive first match after blasting Cebu Ninos, 20-1
The Kingsmen turned back the Ninos in the blitz event, 6-1, via full points each from David Elorta (Board 1), Bernadette Galas (Board 3), GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Board 4), Joel Pimentel (Board 5) and Rolzon Roullo (Board 7) and splits by Mari Turquiza (Board 2) and Michael Ocido (Board 6).
The Negrenses were also dominant in the rapid game against the Cebuanos as all Elorta, Turquiza, Galas, Antonio, Pimentel, Ocido and Jerich Cajeras (Board 7) finishing will full two points each.
Both teams will return action on Wednesday night and will try to maintain its winning streak.IMT Sports
