MANILA – Iloilo Kisela Knights have secured the services of four veteran wood pushers during the recent Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) draft held virtually.
Grand Master Joey Antonio, Woman Fide Master Cherry Ann Mejia, Ilonggo and National Master Cesar Mariano, and Karl Victor Ochoa were among the players picked by the Knights.
Other members of the squad are National Master John Michael Silvederio from Oton, Iloilo, National Master Fritz Brian Porras from the province of Guimaras, and Dennis Bernas, also an Ilonggo.
Knights founder and owner Leo Sotaridona expressed happiness over the team’s acquisition during the draft as all of them have the potential to deliver a win on their respective boards.
“With a good start, we are happy to share the news to the Ilonggos and Guimarasnons. We need a solid support from the Iloilo City government, and provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras,” Sotaridona said.
“It is a must for a long-term sustainability. These chessers need support as they represent Iloilo and Guimaras. As what we have envisioned, we want to create GMs in the future,” he added.
“We are quite happy with the outcome of the first draft. We were able to successfully pick the players we were targeting to pick,” said Sotaridona. “A few of our players are underrated like our lineups for the home grown are quite solid.”
Nine GMs, led by Ilonggo Eugene Torre, were among the 96 picked by 24 participating teams in the league that unfurls on Jan. 12 next year./PN
