The Dasma Cavite Spartans routed its rivals to share the lead with San Juan Predators in the first conference of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) online tournament held through Chess.com Platform on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
The Dasma Cavite Spartans first trounced the Isabela Knights of Alexander, 20-1, then hammered the Manila Load Manna Knights, 15-6, to hike their win-loss tally to 5-1 along with San Juan Predators on top of the Northern Division standings.
International Master Michael Concio Jr., Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., International Master Daniel Quizon and FIDE Master Roel Abelgas prevailed in their respective two matches to steer Manila in blitz, 5-2, and rapid, 10-4.
Concio defeated International Master Paulo Bersamina and FIDE Master David Elorta in their blitz and rapid showdown, as did Antonio who blanked International Master Chito Garma.
Quizon also scored back-to-back wins against Ryan Dungca and Genghis Imperial, respectively.
Abelgas (photo above), on the other hand, routed Imperial and Dungca.
Abelgas is playing under the guidance of Dasmariñas City mayor Jenny Barzaga and rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga.
Other members of the team were Kevin Arquero, Woman International Master Kylen Joy Mordido, Woman International Master Marie Antoinette San Diego, National Master Raymond Salcedo, National Master Carlo Magno Rosaupan, Alfredo Rapanot, Jayson Visca and Kevin Mirano.
Earlier, Cavite blasted Isabela, 20-1, where they swept their blitz event, 7-0, and dropped only half point in the rapid, 13-1.
Trailing Manila with 5-2 marks, followed by defending champion Pasig City King Pirates (4-2), Cagayan Kings (3-3), Isabela Knights of Alexander (3-3), Rizal Batch Towers (2-4), Quezon City Simba’s Tribe (1-5) and Olongapo Rainbow Team 07 (0-7).
Meanwhile, Toledo-Xignex Trojans and Camarines Soaring Eagles continued to pace the Southern Division with identical 5-1 records followed by Davao Chess Eagles and Iloilo Kisela Knights, which share similar 4-2 marks, Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates (4-3), Tacloban Vikings (4-3), Negros (2-4), Mindoro Tamaraws (0-6) and Arriba Iriga (0-6).
8-time Illinois USA champion International Master Angelo Abundo Young displayed his brilliant form halving the point with International Master Barlo Nadera and carried the fight for Toledo-Xignex Trojans. Toledo bested former solo leader Camarines Soaring Eagles, 13-8.
Toledo beat Camarines, both in blitz, 5-2, and rapid, 8-6.
PCAP, the country’s first and only play-for-pay league, is headed by President-Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria, Chairman Michael Angelo Chua and Treasurer Atty. Arnel Batungbakal.
- Marlon Bernardino