MANILA – Iloilo Kisela Knights settled for a runner-up finish in the 2022 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Filipino Conference after bowing to the San Juan Predators in the finals on Saturday.
The Iloilo City-based woodpushers were caught flatfooted in the opening leg of the two-leg finale with the Predators running away with a massive 16-5 victory in blitz and rapid game.
The Kisela Knights, however, showed some fight in the second set but the Predators displayed its determination to score a close 2-1 victory in the Armaggedon.
“Hats off to San Juan Predators they got the better of us this time,” said Kisela Knights head coach Hubert Canto. “Our players did their best but I guess the championship is not really for us but I am proud of our showing.”
This was the second consecutive PCAP championship for the Predators after also defeating the Kisela Knights for the Third Conference title last year.
Overall, this was the fourth post-season encounter between Kisela Knights and Predators with the Ilonggos winning the third place trophy in All-Filipino Conference and championship in Wesley So Cup.
“It was a very close fight. While our best is not enough this time, I can tell the whole team worked very hard to reach this far – our team is a work in progress; our efforts were never in vain for as long as we keep learning and improving,” said Kisela Knights team owner Leo Sotaridona.
“I’ll say we’ll be back, but for now, congratulations to team San Juan for a terrific back to back championship crowns despite the overwhelming obstacles,” he added.
Pasig City King Pirates, on the other hand, captured the third place finish in the tournament after a 13-8 domination over Davao Golden Eagles.
Meanwhile, the second conference of the PCAP tournament is being targeted to open by July 2022, the PCAP management announced after the Kisela Knights-Predators finale./PN
