MANILA – Iloilo Kisela Knights aim to keep their unbeaten slate in the first conference of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) when they face the Negros Kingsmen tonight.
Kisela Knights team owner Leo Sotaridona said aside from winning against their regional rival, the Ilonggos were also looking at the bigger picture entering the 7 p.m. match.
“We approached the match in two layers. Short term we need the win to continue the winning momentum that built from earlier games. Long term, the need to win at this time may not be that crucial from a practical and psychological perspective,” Sotaridona said.
“All I can tell you is that it is good to know and feels great that our team does not have that pressure to really win at this time and still be on track on its quest for championship match. Of course if the results favor us will be a treat,” he added.
Over the weekend, the the Kisela Knights racked up back-to-back victories against Zamboanga (13.5-7.5) and against LapuLapu Nakki Warriors, 16-5.
“The team has to look very closely at each opponent: playing styles from their previous games; assessment of their stamina, example, based on their age, their level of experience; and minor details that taken together can help differentiate a win from alternative outcome,” Sotaridora said.
“Team preparation is crucial for a close match – that’s where experience comes in. We have in our team some of the most veterans in the business,” he added. “Overall, the Kisela management is super comfortable as to where we stand right now.”
Bannering the Kisela Knights team are GM Joey Antonio, NM Giovanni Mejia, lady player Fiona Guirhem, senior player Cesar Mariano, and homegrowns NM John Michael Silvederio, Fritz Bryan Porras, and Mark Jossel Mariano.
The Kingsmen, on the other hand, will rely on IM Nelson Mariano III, FM Randy Segarra, IM Joel Pimentel, NM Rolzon Roullo and FM Rosendo Bandal.
The first-ever play for pay chess competition in the Philippines is sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board, headed by Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra./PN
