MANILA – Iloilo Kisela Knights maintained its strong start in the 2022 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines All-Filipino Conference with a sweep of its two matches on Saturday night.
The Kisela Knights opened the double-header matches with a 15-6 domination of Cagayan de Oro before pulling off an 11.5-9.5 escape over Cebu to stay at second place in the Southern Division standings at 7-1.
Iloilo were dominant in the blitz event against Cagayan de Oro, 7-0, behind triumphs by Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Board 1), Karl Ochoa (Board 2), Cherry Ann Mejia (Board 3), Cesar Mariano (Board 4), John Silvederio (Board 5), Fritz Porras (Board 6), and Rolly Parondo Jr. (Board 7).
The Kisela Knights also edged Cagayan de Oro in the rapid event, 8-6, with Mejia, Mariano and Porras notching two points each, while Antonio and Ochoa settling for draw.
Facing Cebu, the Kisela Knights were pushed to the limit in the blitz game as the score was deadlock at 3.5 with Mejia and Mariano notching wins, while Silvederio, Parondo and Mark Mariano finishing with draws.
The Kisela Knights got the separation it needed against Cebu in the rapid game with Ochoa, Silvederio, Antonio and Horison Villanueva securing the much-needed two points.
Kisela Knights head coach Hubert Canto admitted that his wards were surprised with the lineup adjustments made by Cebu but he is thankful for the readiness of his woodpushers.
“Medyo naging surprising lang ‘yung biglaang rotation changes by Cebu, but good thing our players were able to make some quick adjustment for us to pull off this win,” Canto said.
The Negros Kingsmen, on the other hand, earned another split of their two games following a 12.5-8.5 defeat to Cebu before bouncing back with a 13.5-7.5 domination over Zamboanga.
David Elorta (Board 1), Randy Segarra (Board 2), Angelyn Binan (Board 3), Adrian Pacis (Board 4), Ellan Azuela (Board 5), Ted Ian Montoyo (Board 6) and Edsel Montoya (Board 7) carried the fight for the Kingsmen against Zamboanga./PN
