MANILA – Seven players from the Negros Kingsmen and two from the Iloilo Kisela Knights will suit up for the South All-Star Selection team in the 1st Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Star Game on May 2.
Kingsmen’s Nelson Mariano III and Randy Segarra and Kisela Knights’ Joey Antonio were voted in the top-rated division. Iloilo’s Cherry Anne Mejia and Negros’ Rowelyn Joy Acedo were selected in the Lady category.
Bacolod’s Joel Pimentel and Dumaguete’s Jason Bandal were chosen in South All-Star’s homegrown category. They will be mentored by Jojo Buenaventura.
Other members of the South All-Star were Mark Paragua, Ellan Asuela, Carlo Lorena, Ronald Llavanes, Virgen Gil Ruaya, Chito Garma, Vince Alaan, Merben Roque, Erwin Retanal, Catherine Secopito, Badette Galas, Rico Mascarinas, and Mario Mangubat.
On the other hand, Ilonggo woodpusher Eugene Torre, who was recently inducted to the Chess Hall of Fame, will spearhead the North All-Star squad. It will be handled by their manager, Fred Perez.
Torre – the first Asian grandmaster – will be making his much anticipated PCAP debut in the All-Star Game.
The North-All Star team is composed of Darwin Laylo, Roland Salvador, Sherily Cua, Rudy Ibanez, Cromwell Sabado, Ferdinand Palermo, Banjo Barcenilla, AJ Literatus, Ino Sadorra, Oliver Barbosa,Paulo Bersamina, Rolando Nolte, Jem Garcia Jodi Fronda, Michaela Concio, Karen Enriquez, Ricky De Guzman, Cris Ramayrat, John Paul Gomez, Deniel Causo, Genghis Imperial, and Mari Turqueza.
The first-ever PCAP All-Star Game will be over 14 boards (six top-rated, two Ladies, two seniors, and four homegrowns) in blitz and rapid sets. Armageddon over five boards will be played if teams are level after one set each.
“This is an All-Star Game but all players must be fielded even in just one blitz match,” PCAP commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria said during the Usapang Sports on Air podcast./PN
