BY ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negros Kingsmen pulled off a nerve-wracking 11-10 victory over San Juan Predators in the first conference of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) on Wednesday afternoon.

The Kingsmen settled for 7-7 draw with the Predators in the Rapid event with only Arena Grand Master (AGM) Rowelyn Joy Acedo, International Master (IM) Joel Pimentel and Nayk Segismar securing a win while National Master (NM) Rolzon Roullo settling for draw.

The Negrenses bounced back in the Blitz event with 4-3 beating of San Juan with Bacolodnon Pimentel, Acedo, Roullo and Randy Segarra securing victories.

“Been very proud to this Kingsmen team from the very start. We just brought down the league’s No. 1 team – San Juan Predators,” Kingsmen team owner Martin Olendo said in a statement.

“Special mention to AGM Kajoy Acedo for delivering the heavier blows in her wins. We’ll do our best to maintain our lofty standings in our Division! We are entering the final phase of the conference,” he added.

Prior to the win against the Predators, the Kingsmen cruised to a 13.5-7.5 victory over Rizal Batch Towers to take the solo first place of the Southern Division standings with an 18-3 win-loss record.

After settling for 3.5-3.5 draw with Rizal in the blitz event, Negros bounced back in the Rapid, 10-4, on wins by Acedo, Pimentel, Segimar and FIDE Master (FM) Rosendo Bandal Jr. and draws from Segarra and International Master Nelson Mariano III.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Kisela Knights dropped to second place in the standings with 17-4 slate following its 15-6 victory over Olongapo Rainbow Team 7 and 11.5-9.5 defeat to Manila Indios Bravos./ASC, WDJ