MANILA – Iloilo Kisela Knights and Negros Kingsmen kicked off the second season of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Wesley So Cup with separate wins.
The Kisela Knights kicked off their title retention bid in the second conference with a 21-0 manhandling to newcomer Pagadian Costbusters PCL over the weekend.
The Kisela Knights dominated the blitz game, 7-0, behind victories by Hovhannes Gabuzyan (Board 1), Karl Victor Ochoa (Board 2), Cherry Ann Mejia (Board 3), Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Board 4), Fritz Porras (Board 5), John Michael Silvederio (Board 6), and Rolly Parondo Jr. (Board 7).
It was also the same seven who carried the fight for the Kisela Knights in the rapid event as they completed a 14-0 sweep over the Pagadian to claim the Ilonggo’s first win.
“It was a good start for us. Actually we did not expect it to be 21-0 because we know that Pagadian is a competitive team as well,” said Iloilo head coach Hubert Canto.
The Kingsmen, on the other hand, also started the Wesley So Cup on a winning note as they defeated Palawan in blitz and rapid event, 16.5-4.5.
The Negrenses cruised to a 4.5-2.5 escape in blitz behind wins by returning Joel Pimentel (Board 1), Theseus Martinez (Board 2), Ellan Asuela (Board 5) and Ted Ian Montoyo (Board 7) and a draw by Alfredo Dumalag (Board 3).
The Kingsmen were also impressive in rapid game against Palawan, 12-2, on two pointers by Pimentel, Martinez, Dumalag, Asuela and Montoyo and draws by Adelaide Lim (Board 3) and Edsel Montoya (Board 6).
“The coaches are happy to start the conference on a winning note,” said Kingsmen team manager Nayk Segismar. “We just have to stay consistent since it is still a long way to go.”
Both Kisela Knights and Kingsmen will return to action on Wednesday evening with a pair of matches as they hope to start the conference with 3-0 record./PN
