“Negros and Davao are catching up and the team just need to be prepared in their best form every encounter with both teams, especially towards the end of the elimination rounds. I’m confident we can hold the top spot going into the playoffs.”
This was said by Iloilo Kisela Knights owner Leo Sotaridona after they split their matches in the ongoing Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Third Conference over the weekend.
The Ilonggos, after sweeping their last week’s matches against the PECA Executives and the Negros Kingsmen, split their games on weekend. They escaped Toledo 12.5-8.5, before suffering from the hands of Davao in a scintillating clash, 9.5-11.5.
Against Toledo, Iloilo dictated the tempo after ruling the blitz 4.5-2.5. They continued their assault in the rapid event, courtesy of Karl Viktor Ochoa, NM Cesar Mariano, and NM Rolly Parondo Jr.
Meanwhile, it was a different story in the second game as the Ilonggos fell short from the hands of the Davaoeños. They failed to replicate its first game performance after leading in the blitz category, 4.5-2.5.
In the last seven playing boards, GM Rogelio Antonio Jr. opened the rapid category with a much-needed win but Davao countered with two-straight victories that built their momentum going into the last board.
Keeping it cool, Davao mounted a massive attack on board, securing the last four boards, which eventually, led to their victory.
“The camaraderie of the team members significantly improved after the get-together during the over-the-board match up in Pasig,” Sotaridona said.
With the split win, Kisela Knights are still in second place in the Southern Division with 347 points out of the 21-3 win-loss record.
Davao still tops the overall standing with 373.5 points in the South. Pasig, the SGM Wesley So Cup champion, continued its dominance in the Northern division with 363.5 points.IMT Sports
