Manila, Caloocan win in Armageddon to advance to PCAP semis

The best chess teams in the entire archipelago are duking it out for the right and historic opportunity to be the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines’ first ever champion.

No let up. Never say die. And going into extra boards.

Top seeds Laguna Heroes, Manila Indios Bravos, San Juan Predators and Caloocan LoadManna Knights advanced to the northern division semifinals while down south, the Iloilo Kisela Knights, Camarines Soaring Eagles and Negros Kingsmen booked the final four slots after winning their quarterfinals match-ups last Wednesday, March 24.

The lone top four seed, the Zamboanga Sultans, were upset by fifth seed Toledo Trojans, 12.5-8.5 and 12-9, to crash the party.

While there were some routs, the evening saw four teams go into chess’ equivalent of football’s penalty shootout with the Indios Bravos and the Batch Towers as well as the LoadManna Knights and the Spartans going into extra boards.

The Indios Bravos had to go through the eye of the needle to advance to the next round. They defeated the Rizal Batch Towers, 12-9, in Game 1 but found themselves in a 10.5-all draw in Game Two.

That meant Armageddon play with IM Marvin Miciano and FM Deniel Causo drawing with IM Rolando Nolte and AGM Herman Valente respectively on black. Despite the loss of Manila’s GM Ino Sadorra who was playing white to FM Mari Joseph Turqueza, Manila advanced because black wins in case of a draw during Armageddon play, 2-1.

The LoadManna Knights likewise had to go through Armageddon play after they defeated the Cavite Spartans, 14.5-6.5 in Game One, with the latter turning the tables and the boards in them in Game Two, 12.5-85.

In extra boards, Caloocan’s IM Jem Garcia in white defeated Renie Malupa while IM Paulo Bersamina in black drew with IM Petronio Roca. Caloocan’s Vince Medina lost to Jayson Visca that ended in a 2-1 win for the LoadManna Knights.

In other matches, Laguna routed Antipolo, 16-5 and 19-2. San Juan bucked a tough challenge from Pasig, 11.5-9.5 and 13.5-7.5. Iloilo crushed Cordova, 14-7 and 15.5-5.5. Camarines knocked out Mindoro, 16.5-4.5 and 15.5-5.5. Negros likewise won against Lapu Lapu, 14-7 and 13.5-7.5.

The division semifinals are slated for this Saturday, March 27.

Rick Olivares (Philstar.com) – March 25, 2021