MANILA – The Iloilo Kisela Knights posted a 15-6 victory at the expense of the Toledo City Trojans on Wednesday night in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines’ GM Wesley So Cup.
The Iloilo City-based squad finished the eliminations with a 27-7 record and occupied third place in the Southern Division despite playing without Hovhannes Gabuzyan, Rogelio Antonio Jr., and Cherry Ann Mejia.
The Kisela Knights easily defeated the Trojan in blitz game behind wins by Karl Viktor Ochoa, Fiona Geeweneth Guirhem, Cesar Mariano, John Michael Silvederio, and Mark Jossel Mariano.
The team continued their winning streak against the Trojans as they dominated the rapid play behind Ochoa, Guirhem, Cesar Mariano, Dennis Bernas, and Mark Jossel Mariano.
“Our alternative players took advantage of the playing time given to them (against Toledo City). This is a great win for us to end the elimination round,” said Kisela Knights team owner Leo Sotaridona.
The Kisela Knights will have a rematch with the Trojans, the sixth team in the Southern Division with a 17-17 record, in the knockout quarterfinals round slated on July 21.
On the other hand, Negros Kingsmen stunned Mindoro Tamaraws, 16.5-4.5, to gain the fourth spot in the Southern Division with a 23-11 win-loss record.
In blitz, the Kingsmen were held by the Tamaraws to 3.5-3.5 draw behind Steven Breckenridge, Nelson Mariano, and Rowelyn Acedo. Rolzon Roullo settled for draw.
Negros bounced back in the rapid match to prevail over the Mindoro, 13-1, on victories by Breckenridge, Mariano, Acedo, Roullo, Junaico Segismar, and Adrian dela Cruz, and a draw by Reynaldo Flores.
“Huge win for Negros going into the playoffs though not much to celebrate here. We’re hoping we could carry the momentum deeper in the playoffs where we fell short the last time,” according to Kingsmen co-team owner Martin Olendo./PN
