MANILA – Iloilo Kisela Knights and Negros Kingsmen aim for a winning finish at the close of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines’ (PCAP) first conference elimination round tonight.
Currently, with a 29-4 win-loss record, the Kisela Knights look to solidify its hold on the top spot of the Southern Division when it faces Mindoro Tamaraws at seven in the evening.
Kisela Knights team owner Leo Sotaridona said it is still important for his crew to score a victory against the Tamaraws to have a morale boost in the next week’s playoffs round.
“I might say that we have already accomplished our mission in the elimination round but we want to enter the playoffs round next week in high morale,” Sotaridona told Panay News on Friday.
The Kisela Knights stretched its winning streak on Wednesday evening with a 17.5-3.5 domination over Cordova Dutchess Dagami Warriors and a 14-7 triumph over Iriga City Oragons.
Grand Master Joey Antonio Jr., Cherry Ann Mejia, Cesar Mariano, John Michael Silvederio, Dennis Bernas, Karl Victor Ochoa, and Fritz Bryan Porras have played a vital role for the Knights in those wins.
Just like the Kisela Knights, the Negros Kingsmen also want to barge to the playoffs round next week on a winning note when it battles the Cordova Dutchess Dagami Warriors tonight.
Currently with a 27-6 win-loss record, third place in the Southern Division, the Kingsmen has been on a struggle the past few playdates as they settled for split matches.
Last Wednesday, the Kingsmen failed to find their winning form after a close 11.5-9.5 defeat to the Southern Division second placer Camarines Soaring Eagle before a 20-1 triumph over Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates.
“Our slump is concerning but good thing that it happened in the elimination round,” said Kingsmen co-team owner Carlo Fontelo. “We still have time to regroup for the playoffs stage.”/PN
