MANILA – Iloilo Kisela Knights bounced back on the winning track of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) GM Wesley So Cup after a 14-7 beating of Negros Kingsmen on Wednesday night.
The Knights edged the Kingsmen in the blitz game with victories by Kamil Dragun (Board 2), Cherry Ann Mejia (Board 3), Cesar Mariano (Board 4), and Fritz Bryan Porras (Board 7).
Iloilo also walloped Negros in the rapid event behind wins by Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Board 1), Dragun (Board 2), Mariano (Board 4), and Dennis Bernas (Board 5) and draws by John Michael Silvederio (Board 6) and Porras (Board 7).
Before the win against their Southern Division rivals, the Kisela Knights opened their two-game bill that night with an 18.5-2.5 domination over Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates.
The Iloilo team overwhelmed Surigao in blitz game via victories by Karl Victor Ochoa (Board 1), Dragun (Board 2), Mejia (Board 3), Mariano (Board 4), Porras (Board 5), Bernas (Board 6), and Silvederio (Board 7).
The Kisela Knights also dominated the Fianchetto Checkmates in the rapid event behind Antonio (Board 1), Dragun (Board 2), Mejia (Board 3), Mariano (Board 4), Bernas (Board 6), and Silvederio (Board 7).
Kisela Knights team owner Leo Sotaridona said Dragun of Poland came in as a substitute import, with Armenian Hovhannes Gabuzyan preparing for his World Cup qualifier participation.
“Very strong comeback for the Kisela Knights with the help of our import substitute,” Sotaridona told Panay News. “Can’t be happier; hope to continue the winnings from here on.”
The Kingsmen, meanwhile, scored a 13.5-7.5 triumph over Lapu-Lapu City Naki Warriors with their impressive showing in the rapid event behind Nelson Mariano III (Board 1), Steven Breckenridge (Board 2), Kajoy Acedo (Board 3), Jason Bandal Jr. (Board 4), Rolzon Roullo (Board 6), and Nayk Segismar (Board 7).
After the Wednesday matches, Kisela Knights were up to a 5-2 win-loss record in the Southern Division standings, while the Kingsmen dropped to a 3-4 slate following the split result./PN
