By Adrian Stewart Co

Negrense FIDE Master Sander Severino is set to suit up for newcomer Davao in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Season 2, which will kick off with All-Filipino Conference later this month.

The Silay City, Negros Occidental-native Severino was made by Davao as their first round selection in the virtual PCAP draft participated by a total of 187 woodpushers on Saturday evening.

Severino is a welcome addition to Davao as he already had experience playing in PCAP when he suited up for guest team Paralympics during the PCAP Season 1 Open Conference.

The 35-year-old Negrense is one of the top paralympic chess players in the country with his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) condition that confined him to a wheelchair the rest of his life.

Aside from Severino, Davao took FM Roel Abelgas in the second round, NM Jonathan Tan in the third round, and NM Alexander Lupian and NM Henry Lopez in the fourth round.

Completing Davao’s rookie selection were Aglipay Oberio (fifth round), NM James Infiesto (sixth round), Arnel Aton (seven round), Mary Palero (eighth round), and Aladino Diez (ninth round).

National Master Onofre Espiritu emerged as this year’s No.1 overall pick after being selected by the Iriga Oragons while International Master Ildefonso Datu was drafted second overall by Quezon City.

Olongapo Rainbow Team 7 came in at third and selected Marc Einnar Reyes, followed by Ricardo Martin to Cagayan Kings, FM Julius Joseph de Ramos to Mindoro Tamaraws and John Ranel Morazo to Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates.

Rizal Batch Towers took in IM Richelieu Salcedo III, The Knight Raiders of Isabela drafted IM Joel Banawa and Cagayan de Oro selected Anthony Makanino.

Several teams opted to make additions to their roster, including PCAP 3rd Conference champions San Juan Predators, Cebu, Palawan, and Cavite./ASC, WDJ