by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA–Laguna Heroes advanced to the Northern Division semifinals of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) online chess tournament after eliminating Isabela Knights of Alexander in the two-match quarterfinals, 18-3 and 15.5-5.5, held at Chess.com Platform on Wednesday, Nov.30.
The Laguna Heroes banked on the chess prowess of their seasoned veterans from the get-go.
GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr., FM Roel Abelgas and ACM Michella Concio led Laguna during the back-and-forth blitz category where they ended up leading by three points,5-2.
However, Laguna pulverized Isabela in the rapid play, 13-1, with Barcenilla, Abelgas, Concio, IM Angelo Abundo Young, Apollo Agapay and AGM Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo delivered the wins while Richie Jocson added a draw.
During the second game, Laguna started strong in the blitz category that rewarded them with an early 4.5-2.5 lead in the first seven playing boards.
Laguna trounced Isabela in the rapid play, 11-3.
Best players for Laguna were Barcenilla and Abelgas who both tallied perfect 6.0 points apiece.
The Laguna Heroes’ huge win over the Isabela Knights of Alexander will set up a highly-anticipated northern division semifinals clash against San Juan Predators who swept Cavite Spartans, 12.5-8.5 and 17-4, in two games during the quarterfinals.
In the other quarterfinals results of the northern division, the Pasig King Pirates smashed the Rizal Batch Towers by twin sets of scores, 21-1, to arrange a final four duel with the Manila Indios Bravos, who brought down Cagayan Kings, 11-10, and 15-6.
“We were able to improve our results in the quarterfinals against Isabela. Though we had bigger winning margins compared to the eliminations, the matches were still tough and exciting.” said AGM Dr. Fred Paez of Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and St. Peregrine Dental Clinic, one of the four co-team owner of the Laguna Heroes that include Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO and Greatech Philippines, Inc., Engr. Billy Joe Ereňo of Costbusters Philippines Corp. and Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice Foods.
“Against San Juan in the Division Semifinals, it will surely be hard. The team is strong in every board and Coach Hubert, a well-experienced coach, will surely prepare a good game plan. To be able to beat this team, we have to, at least, equalize in the lower boards.” he added.
In the Southern Division, Davao Chess Eagles ending the Tacloban Vikings Cinderella run 16.5-4.5 and 17-4, the Toledo Trojans ousted the Palawan, 14.5-6.5 and 13-8, the Iloilo Kisela Knights defeated the Camarines-Iriga Soaring Eagles 16.5-4.5 and 12.5-8.5, and lastly, the Negros Kingsmen weren’t troubled by the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates by the twin scores of 16-5.