By Adrian Stewart Co

Negros Kingsmen settled for another split result in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) GM Wesley So Cup on Wednesday evening.

With American import Steven Breckenridge reinserted to the lineup, the Kingsmen kicked off the two-game bill with a 13.5-7.5 domination over the Lapu-Lapu City Naki Warriors.

Breckenridge anchored the Kingsmen in the rapid event with a Board 2 win, along with other winners Nelson Mariano III (Board 1), Kajoy Acedo (Board 3), Jason Bandal Jr. (Board 4), Rolzon Roullo (Board 6), and Nayk Segismar (Board 7).

The Kingsmen’s domination in the rapid covered up for their lackluster showing in the blitz event, where only Mariano scored a victory in Board 1 and Segismar settling for a draw in Board 7.

The Kingsmen, however, cannot score a follow up as they were handily defeated by rival Iloilo Kisela Knights in the second game, 14-7, behind the strong showing of substitute import in Kamil Dragun.

Dragun also had a solid outing as the Kisela Knights manhandled the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 18.5-2.5, in the first game to bounce back from their two losses last Saturday.

Kisela Knights team owner Leo Sotaridona said Dragun of Poland came in as a substitute import for the team 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 Watchmen Daily Journal. “Can’t be happier; hope to continue the winnings from here on.”

After Wednesday’s matches, Kisela Knights improved to 5-2 win-loss record in the Southern Division standings, while the Kingsmen dropped to 3-4 slate following the split result./ASC, WDJ