By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Iloilo Kisela Knights continued its hot streak in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) GM Wesley So Cup after defeating Negros Kingsmen, 15-6, on Wednesday night.
Iloilo flexed its muscle in the blitz game against Negros with Hovhannes Gabuzyan (Board 1), Rogelio Antonio Jr. (Board 2), Cherry Ann Mejia (Board 3), Cesar Mariano (Board 4), and Dennis Bernas (Board 7) winning their matches.
The Kisela Knights carried over their dominance over the Kingsmen in rapid via wins by Gabuzyan (Board 1), Mejia (Board 3), Mariano (Board 4), Fritz Bryan Porras (Board 6), and Bernas (Board 7).
The Kisela Knights completed their perfect evening, which improved their Southern Division standings to 25 wins and six losses, after prevailing over the Lapu-Lapu City Naki Warriors, 14-7.
The Kisela Knights, meanwhile, struggled in the blitz game against the Naki Warriors with only Gabuzyan (Board 1), Cesar Mariano (Board 4) and Mark Jossel Mariano (Board 7) posting wins.
Iloilo bounced back in rapid game with triumphs from Mejia (Board 3), Silvederio (Board 5), Porras (Board 6), and Bernas (Board 7), and draws by Gabuzyan (Board 1), Antonio (Board 2) and Cesar Mariano (Board 4).
“It was huge victories for us tonight, especially against Negros. It prepares the team to our all-important match on Saturday against Camarines (Soaring Eagle),” said Kisela Knights owner Leo Sotaridona.
The Kingsmen, however, were able to bounce back from their defeat to the Kisela Knights by posting a 12.5-8.5 victory over Cebu City Machers to stay at fourth spot in the division with a 20-11 slate.
Negros edged Cebu in blitz game, 5.5-1.5, behind Nelson Mariano (Board 1), Rosendo Bandal Jr. (Board 4), Joel Pimentel (Board 5), Rolzon Roullo (Board 6), and Junaico Segismar (Board 7) and a draw by Rowelyn Acedo (Board 3).
The Kingsmen were held to a 7-7 draw in rapid event with only Pimentel (Board 5) and Roullo (Board 6) winning and Mariano (Board 1), Steven Breckenridge (Board 2) and Acedo (Board 3) being held to a draw./ASC, WDJ