Showing the entire repertoire, Iloilo Kisela Knights successfully eliminated archrival Negros Kingsmen in two-straight semifinals matches over the weekend.

The Leo Sotaridona-owned professional chess team dominated the game, beating the Negrenses, 13-8 in the first match and 14.5-6.5 in the second clash.

With the win, the Ilonggo squad will advance to the Southern Division finals of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Season 2.

During the first leg, the Kisela Knights survived the Kingsmen in blitz, 4-3, with only Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Board 1), Cherry Ann Mejia (Board 3), Cesar Mariano (Board 4) and John Michael Silvederio (Board 6) scoring wins.

But the never-say-die spirit of the Ilonggos was proven in the rapid event after a 9-5 win, thanks to Mariano, Fritz Bryan Porras (Board 5) and Silvederio with full two points and Antonio, Karl Victor Ochoa (Board 2) and Mejia with splits.

“Napakasolid ng performance ng mga teamates ko laban sa Negros. Sa pangunguna ni GM Joey na patuloy na naniniwala samin, sabi nya nga walang imposible pag may tamang preparasyon,” Parondo said.

When asked about his preparation against Davao in the finals, he said they are preparing for it. “Malakas din talaga ang Davao at tiyak na paghahandaan din kami. Di rin kami pinapabayaan ni Manager Hyubs at ni Sir Leo kaya ang kailangan lang namin gawin ay bigay ang best namin bawat laro,” he added.

In the second match, IKK did not waste away the time and easily hammered the Kingsmen in the blitz, 6.5-0.5, with Ochoa, Mejia, Mariano, Rolly Parondo Jr. (Board 5), Silvederio and Porras (Board 7) scoring wins and Antonio splitting.

The Negrenses tried to bounce back in the rapid but failed to do so, giving the Ilonggos an 8-6 victory behind Mejia, Antonio and Silvederio’s two pointers and splits from Mariano and Porras.

With the win, the Kisela Knights advance to Southern Division finals on Wednesday against Davao, which also defeated its division semifinals opponent in Toledo Trojans.

“We have an edge against Davao. Yet. Di lng kami kumpyansa. Tinalo namin sila twice sa eliminations, so prepare lng talaga ang team. I’m sure they’ll strategize na makabawi sila,” Canto explained.

Meanwhile, Sotaridona said it’s quite a relieve after they are done with Negros. Now the focus is on Davao.

“While we’ve beaten them twice during the elimination round, the stake is way different this time. That is why the final round is totally another opportunity but unique set of tactical and strategic maneuvering to squeeze as much chance we can get to win the match. Given our experiences, the uniqueness of our team and that of the opponent, I am confident of our chance to pass the division finals,” he shared.IMT NEWS