MANILA – Iloilo Kisela Knights split their matches on Wednesday evening at the start of the second round of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) San Miguel Corporation-Ayala Land Cup.
The Kisela Knights opened the double-header with a 16.5-4.5 domination over Pampanga Checkers but could not sustain their fine form after being beaten by San Juan Predators, 15-6.
Iloilo walloped Pampanga in blitz, 5.5-1.5, following wins by Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Board 1), Karl Victor Ochoa (Board 2), Cesar Mariano (Board 4), John Michael Silvederio (Board 6), and Mark Mariano (Board 7), and a draw by Cherry Mejia at the third board.
The Kisela Knights also ruled the rapid game over the Checkers behind wins by Antonio, Ochoa, Cesar Mariano, Fritz Brian Porras (Board 5) and Silvederio and another draw from Mejia.
The Ilonggos, however, were dominated by the Predators in the blitz game, 6-1, with Antonio and Ochoa settling for draws, while Iloilo also lost to San Juan in the rapid event, 9-5.
“It was a very tough match against San Juan. Their team is super solid with the addition. Good thing we still have plenty of time to prepare and adjust though,” said Kisela Knights owner Leo Sotaridona.
The Negros Kingsmen, on the other hand, had a rough start in the second round of the season-ending conference as they were beaten by Laguna Heroes (14.5-6.5) and San Juan (14-7).
“It was not the start we wanted,” said Kingsmen co-team owner Carlo Fontelo. “We will try to use our next two games to regroup and bounce back on our two matches on Saturday.”
Since the standings during the first round will not be carry over into this round, it is back to square one for both Iloilo and Negros with the former having 1-1 win-loss slate and the latter has 0-2.
The Kisela Knights will tangle with Davao and Bangkok on their two matches on Saturday night, while the Kingsmen have Pampanga and Lapu-Lapu City Naki Warriors as their opponents./PN
