Iloilo and Negros woodpushers are taking the remaining games of Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) GM Wesley So Cup seriously.
As the elimination draws to an end, Iloilo Kisela Knights solidified their presence with two victories over the weekend.
The team hammered Zamboanga Sultans, 16.5-4.5, thanks to the formidable moves of GM Hovhannes Gabuzyan, Cherry Ann Mejia, John Michael Silvederio, Fritz Bryan Porras, and Dennis Bernas, and a draw by Cesar Mariano in the blitz category. They also topped the rapid with wins from Gabuzyan, Joey Antonio Jr., Mejia, Porras, Bernas, and a draw from Mariano.
They also defeated Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 16.5-4.5, for a 23-6 win-loss slate. They continued their winning streak after smashing Surigao in the blitz game behind wins from Gabuzyan, Mejia, Silvederio, Porras, and Bernas, and another draw from Mariano.
In the rapid game, the Kisela Knights toppled Fianchetto Checkmates, following triumphs from Antonio, Mejia, Mariano, Silvederio, and Bernas, and a draw from Porras.
For IKK owner Leo Sotaridona, it was a sweet revenge against Zamboanga three more days before the the end of elimination round.
“We want to seriously prepare those two weeks. Recommendation to maximize performance: have enough sleep and rest, healthy food, regular exercise, lots of water, avoiding unnecessary stress. I trust our team has what it takes to win this conference – this is our chance to prove it,” he added.
The Iloilo-based team will be facing powerhouse teams in the next games – July 7 against Negros and July 10 against Camarines.
On the other hand, the Negros Kingsmen failed to secure a double win. They fell from Camarines, 12-9 before winning the second clash against Lapu-Lapu City Naki Warriors, 11.5-9.5.IMT
