MANILA – Iloilo Kisela Knights’ participation in the first conference of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) is a huge boost to the development of homegrown woodpushers.
According to Kisela Knights team owner-manager Leo Sotaridona and squad’s veteran player Grand Master Joey Antonio, they see a bright future ahead of Ilonggo chess players as they have a lot of potentials.
“We have very good and talented homegrown players. With the proper training and exposure, lahat sila pwedeng maging national players,” Sotaridona said in an interview with “Usapang Sports on Air” by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports.
“Magagaling naman tayong mga Pilipino kahit sa online chess. Although it is a lot different than face-to-face chess, we have adjusted well enough to stay competitive,” added Antonio.
Among the homegrown players of the Kisela Knights for the PCAP are John Michael Silvederio, Fritz Bryan Porras, Dennis Bernas, Fionna Guirhem, and Mark Jossel Mariano.
Sotaridona said Kisela Knights’ participation in PCAP is purely a private undertaking for him and his Iloilo-based friends to help promote chess and the players themselves.
“We did not think twice when the opportunity to form a team from Iloilo came. My friends and I want to help our chess players,” said Sotaridona, who is currently based in Washington, United States.
“The goal is to make it to the quarterfinals. If we make it, we’ll go for the Southern Conference title,” he added.
The Kisela Knights are currently tied with Negros Kingsmen and Camarines Eagles on top of the Southern Conference standings with a 13-2 win-loss slate. They recently defeated the erstwhile unbeaten Caloocan, 11.5-9.5.
The team aims to continue its winning run tonight when it takes on San Juan Predators at seven in the evening followed by a match against Rizal Batch Towers at 9 p.m./PN
