by Marlon Bernardino.
The Laguna Heroes claimed a historic win as it destroyedthe San Juan Predators in the PCAP Northern Conference Finals through Armageddon tie-breaker Wednesday night in a virtual chess match.
In the second match of the day, the Laguna Heroes and the San Juan Predators were tied 10.5 each after seven boards, but the trio of Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr., Grandmaster John Paul Gomez (in photo) and FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus saved the day via the Armageddon playoff (3-0) to arrange a titular showdown with Camarines Soaring Eagles.
The Eagles brought down Iloilo Kisela Knights (2-1) in the Southern Conference Finals in another Armageddon tie breaker.
Barcenilla, a 2-time Asian Junior Champion , playing black defeated Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa. Gomez, handling the white pieces, toppled FIDE Master Arden Reyes while Literatus, employing the black pieces, trounced International Master Ricardo de Guzman.
Earlier, the Laguna Heroes backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Rotary Club of Nuvali routed the San Juan Predators, 12.5-8.5, in the first match of the day.
The Northern Conference team ruler Laguna Heroes will look to make history when it shoots for the first-ever PCAP Grand winner against heavyweight the Southern Conference top notcher Camarines Soaring Eagle this coming weekend.
“I can’t explain what I’m feeling now. We’re really happy because we got the win today ,” said Head Coach Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes that includes Engr. Benjamin Dy, Engr. Jonathan Mamaril and Mr. David Nithyananthan.
“But of course we still need to work later or tomorrow for the upcoming championship this weekend.” added Dr. Fred Paez, who is also the president of the Philippine Executive Chess Association.
“Our matches in the Northern Conference Finals were all difficult. San Juan is a pretty solid team from upper boards down to lower boards. When WNM Jean Karen Enriquez outscored WIM Fronda in board 3, we got a higher chance to win. The Laguna Heroes team showed great character once again.” added Dr. Paez, who is also the Assistant Executive Director for the Southern Luzon of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by it’s Chairman/President Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr.
Other members of the Northern Conference team ruler Laguna Heroes were Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez, FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, Vince Angelo Medina, Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo and Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat.
Meanwhile, Fritz Bryan Porras, playing black failed to convert his winning position losing to Ellan Asuella and allowing Camarines Soaring Eagles to score a 2-1 victory over Iloilo Kisela Knights in their do or die Armageddon play.
Camarine’s Grandmaster Mark Paragua, handling the black pieces, won his match against 13-time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. but Iloilo’s National Master Karl Victor Ochoa bested Christian Mark Daluz using the white pieces.
The Camarines Soaring Eagles and the Iloilo Kisela Knights split the score 11.5-9.5, 10-11, in their first two matches to force an Armageddon play.
“Congratulations to team Camarines for clinching the Southern division title; wishing you the best moving into the conference final this weekend. Congratulations as well to Iloilo Kisela Knights for fighting like a real champion – never giving up till the end. Giving all your best is all that matters most. Continue learning and improving – we’ll be back next conference. To all the fans and partners, thank you for your continued support.” said Iloilo Kisela Knights Team Owner Leo Sotaridona.