MANILA – The Iloilo Kisela Knights once again showed dominance in Saturday’s match of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines’ (PCAP) GM Wesley So Cup after stunning Zamboanga Sultans, 16.5-4.5, and Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 16.5-4.5, for a 23-6 win-loss slate.
The Kisela Knights edged Sultans in blitz behind triumphs by Hovhannes Gabuzyan, Cherry Ann Mejia, John Michael Silvederio, Fritz Bryan Porras, and Dennis Bernas, and a draw by Cesar Mariano.
Iloilo also notched the win in the rapid event, with victories from Gabuzyan, Joey Antonio Jr., Mejia, Porras, and Bernas. Mariano settled for a draw.
“It was a sweet revenge for us to beat Zamboanga since they defeated us in our first meeting,” said Kisela Knights owner Leo Sotaridona. “We are looking forward to sustaining our winning ways with still three games left in the eliminations.”
Duplicating their impressive performance, Iloilo continued their winning streak at the expense of Surigao as they ruled 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.
On the other hand, the Iloilo Kisela Knights failed to post a twin kill on their two matches as they fell to a 19-10 win-loss record in the Southern Division.
The Kingsmen have a poor start in the double-header as they sustained a 12-9 loss to Camarines Soaring Eagle before bouncing back with an 11.5-9.5 victory over Lapu-Lapu City Naki Warriors.
“It was a heartbreaking loss for us against Camarines but good thing the players stayed focused as we were able to bounce back in the second game,” according to Kingsmen co-team owner Martin Olendo./PN
