By Adrian Stewart Co

Iloilo Kisela Knights got back to their winning ways in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) GM Wesley So Cup with a sweep of their two Saturday night matches.

The Kisela Knights first scored a 16.5-4.5 domination over Zamboanga Sultans before following it up with a 16.5-4.5 beating of Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates for a 23-6 win-loss slate.

The Kisela Knights edged Sultans in blitz behind victories by Hovhannes Gabuzyan (Board 1), Cherry Ann Mejia (Board 3), John Michael Silvederio (Board 5), Fritz Bryan Porras (Board 6), and Dennis Bernas (Board 7) and a draw by Cesar Mariano (Board 4).

Iloilo also dominated Zambonga in rapid events with wins by Gabuzyan (Board 1), Joey Antonio Jr. (Board 2), Mejia (Board 3), Porras (Board 6), and Bernas (Board 7) and a draw by Mariano (Board 4).

“It was a sweet revenge for us to beat Zamboanga since they defeated us in our first meeting,” said Kisela Knights owner Leo Sotaridona. “We are looking forward to sustaining our winning ways with still three games left in the eliminations.”

Kisela Knights also defeated Fianchetto Checkmates in blitz behind victories by Gabuzyan (Board 1), Mejia (Board 3), Silvederio (Board 5), Porras (Board 6), and Bernas (Board 7) and another draw from Mariano (Board 4).

Iloilo also won over Surigao in the rapid event following triumphs from Antonio (Board 2), Mejia (Board 3), Mariano (Board 4), Silvederio (Board 5), and Bernas (Board 7) and a draw from Porras (Board 6).

Unlike the Kisela Knights, the Negros Kingsmen failed to score a twin kill on their two matches on Saturday night as they dropped to 19-10 win-loss record in the Southern Division.

The Kingsmen had a poor start in the double-header as they suffered a 12-9 loss to Camarines Soaring Eagle before bouncing back with a close 11.5-9.5 victory over Lapu-Lapu City Naki Warriors./ASC, WDJ