Iloilo Kisela Knights sustained their menacing form in the ongoing Professional Chess Association of the Philippines after winning against Laguna, 12.5-8.5 and Antipolo, 18-3.
Led by GM Joey Antonio, Karl Victor Ochoa, NM Cesar Mariano, NM Fritz Bryan Porras, WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, NM John Michael Silvederio, and Dennis Bernas, the Iloilo-based team proved to be one of the threats in the tournament’s Season 1. They outsmarted two GMs from Laguna, GM Rogelio Barcenilla and GM John Paul Gomez.
With a 13-2 win loss card, IKK will be challenged by one of the toughest teams in the Southern Division, San Juan on Saturday.
The Knights put a dazzling show in the tournament after a successful domination in the Blitz event, 5.5-1.5, with GM Antonio, WFM Mejia, NM Mariano, Bernas and NM Silvederio scoring for the Ilonggos. NM Porras, on the other hand, settled for a draw.
The team finished a hard-earned draw, 7-7 in the rapid game with Mejia and Silvederio winning their games, while Antonio, Mariano, and Porras settled for draws apiece.
The Gil Libutaque-mentored squad also dismantled the Cobras, winning the Blitz game, 5-2, courtesy of Antonio, Mariano, Borras, Karl Vincent Ochoa, and Mark Jossel Mariano.
Antonio, Ochoa, Mejia, Porras, Bernas, and Silvederio contributed two points each in the Rapid game, while Cesar Mariano settled for a draw for a 13-1 score in favor of Kisela Knights.
Kisela Knights owner Leo Sotaridona lauded the team’s performance, saying it was a good match and they’re hoping to top the podium in the Southern Division.
Meanwhile, Negros Kingsmen also scored easy wins for a 13-2 win-loss record. They wrapped up the tournament with a 14-7 victory over Cavite Spartans and 17-4 feat against Isabela Knight Raiders.
International Master (IM) Joel Pimentel of Bacolod City, FM Nelson Mariano, Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Kajoy Acedo, FM Rouzon Roullo, and Adrian dela Cruz won in the Rapid and Blitz event against the Spartans.
Against the Knight Raiders, Pimentel, Mariano, Acedo, Roullo, Dela Cruz, Nayk Aguilar Segismar, and FM Judge Rosendo Bandal scored wins in Blitz and Rapid events.IMT
