By Adrian Stewart Co

Negros Kingsmen finished the eliminations of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) GM Wesley So Cup with a 16.5-4.5 triumph over Mindoro Tamaraws on Wednesday night.

The Kingsmen struggled against the Tamaraws in the blitz game as they were held to 3.5-3.5 draw behind wins by Steven Breckenridge (Board 1), Nelson Mariano (Board 2) and Rowelyn Acedo (Board 3) and a draw by Rolzon Roullo (Board 5).

Negros, however, bounced back in rapid with a 13-1 rout on victories by Breckenridge (Board 1), Mariano (Board 2), Acedo (Board 3), Roullo (Board 5), Junaico Segismar (Board 6), and Adrian dela Cruz (Board 7) and a draw by Reynaldo Flores (Board 4).

With the win, the Kingsmen finished with 23-11 win-loss record for fourth place in the Southern Division standings. They await the outcome of the play-in tournament to determine their opponent in the knockout round on July 21.

“Huge win for Negros going into the playoffs though not much to celebrate here. We’re hoping we could carry the momentum deeper in the playoffs where we fell short the last time,” Kingsmen co-team owner Martin Olendo said.

Iloilo Kisela Knights, for its part, also ended their elimination round campaign in style as they defeated Toledo City Trojans, 15-6, to end up as the third-ranked team in the Southern Division with 27-7 record.

The Kisela Knights handily defeated the Trojans in blitz game courtesy of wins by Karl Viktor Ochoa (Board 2), Fiona Geeweneth Guirhem (Board 3), Cesar Mariano (Board 4),  John Michael Silvederio (Board 5), and Mark Jossel Mariano (Board 7).

Iloilo also dominated Toledo City in rapid event behind Ochoa (Board 2), Guirhem (Board 3), Cesar Mariano (Board 4), Dennis Bernas (Board 5), and Mark Jossel Mariano (Board 7).

“Our alternative players took advantage of the playing time given to them (against Toledo City). This is a great win for us to end the elimination round,” said Kisela Knights team owner Leo Sotaridona./ASC, WDJ