by Marlon Bernardino,
PALAWAN Queen’s Gambit team edged Isabela Knight Raiders, 11.5-9.5, in the on-going All Filipino Conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) on Saturday, February 13, 2021 on online tournament at the lichess platform.
The Jorge Mitra owned Palawan team relied on Woman International Master elect Shania Mae Mendoza, Woman International Master Catherine Perena-Secopito and Woman International Master Marie Antoinette San Diego.
Mendoza swept Alvin Aguinaldo on board one, Secopito blanked National Master Gerardo Cabellon on board two, while San Diego downed Genlaiza Bagorio on board three in their blitz duel before winning in the rapid play against Sheryll Andres Bordon.
Woman National Master Cecilia Cuizon, on the other hand yielded to Francisco Cabe on board four (senior) in the blitz format, however her teammate Woman National Master Carmelita Abanes prevailed in the rapid play.
Overall, Palawan started well via a 3.5 deadlock in the blitz portion then followed with an 8-6 win in the rapid format.
Meanwhile, the Cavite Spartans, bannered by coach Ederwin Estavillo, Arena Grandmaster Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr., Lourecel Hernandez Ecot, International Master Petronio Roca, Ricardo Batcho, Jayson San Jose Visca, Lloyd Rubio and Israel Landicho defeated Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 12-9.
The Cavite Spartans tallied 9-8 win-loss record in the Northern Division while the Jorge Mitra own Palawan team notch 2-5 win-loss record in the Southern Division.
The Cavite Spartans campaign was made possible by the undying support of Rep. Jon-Jon A. Ferrer, Mayor Ony Ferrer, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director General Tereso O. Panga and Mam Elvira Roca of Skin Magical Dist4 ,CARSIGMA Cavite