MANILA – Negrense FIDE Master Sander Severino will be one of the 187 aspirants in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Season 2 draft on Saturday evening.
The Silay City, Negros Occidental native is no stranger to playing in the PCAP. He was part of the Paralympic squad that played as a guest team in the Open Conference last year.
The 35-year-old Negrense was one of the country’s top chessers despite being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at a young age and confined to a wheelchair the rest of his life.
Severino also had a solid campaign during the pandemic. He ruled the International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA) online world chess championship two years ago.
Prior to the virtual world championship, Severino also had gold medal triumphs in the Asian Para Games (2018 Jakarta) and ASEAN Para Games (2015 Singapore and 2017 Kuala Lumpur).
Apart from Severino, among some blue chip players hoping to join the country’s professional chess league include James Infiesto, Adrian Pacis, Shercila Cua, Richielieu Salcedo, Carlo Magno Rosaupan, Joel Anthony Hicap, and Rolly Parondo Jr.
Also joining the draft class were Harrison Maamo, Jerry Areque, Alexander Lupian, Roberto Suelo Jr., Jayson Salubre, Raymond Salcedo, Kevin Mirano, and Marc Kevin Labog.
The Iriga Oragons will get the first pick in the draft followed by the Quezon City Simba Tribe, Olongapo Rainbow Team 7, Palawan Queen’s Gambit, Cagayan Kings, Mindoro Tamaraws, Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, Cavite Spartans, and Rizal Batch Towers.
Isabela Knight Raiders picked next, followed by Cagayan de Oro (formerly Lapu Lapu), Davao Chess Wizards, Tacloban (formerly Cordova), Toledo City Trojans, Zamboanga Sultans, Pasig King Pirates, and Camarines Soaring Eagles.
Completing the order of draft were Negros Kingsmen, Caloocan LoadManna Knights, Manila Indios Bravos, Laguna Heroes, Second Conference champions Iloilo Kisela Knights, and San Juan Predators./PN
