by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—San Juan Predators clinched the third Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) title after beating Iloilo Kisela Knights in their two-leg encounter, 19-2 (first set) and 11.5-9.5 (second set) in the grand finals on Saturday night,November 27, 2021 virtually held at chess.com platform.
“The results belie the fierce competition that happened during this Championship Round. Perhaps the one big factor this time around is that San Juan Predators stayed focused and kept the fiery determination not to have a repeat of the second conference. Congratulations to all the players of both teams.!” said San Juan Predators Team Owner and PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua.
International Master Rolando Nolte (in photo), Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa, Woman International Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda, International Master Ricardo de Guzman, FIDE Master Narquingden Reyes, Narciso Gumila and Narquingel Reyes delivered victories for Predators after beating Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., National Master Karl Victor Ochoa, Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia, National Master Cesar Mariano, National Master Fritz Bryan Porras, National Master John Michael Silvederio and Mark Jossel Mariano ruled the blitz portion, 7-0, in the first set.
In the rapid play (first set), 12-2, only Antonio survived after subduing Nolte in their top board encounter.
However in the second set of blitz category, Barbosa, De Guzman, FM Reyes, Reyes and Gumila combined forces to spearheaded Predators into 5.5-1.5 victory.
Antonio and Mejia gave the good fight for Kisela Knights. Antonio drew with Nolte while Mejia toppled Fronda.
In the rapid play (second set), Antonio, Mejia, Silvederio and Porras won their respective matches but was not good enough to lift their team.
Kisela Knights won the rapid play, 8-6, however Predators total output of 11.5 better than 9.5 for Kisela Knights preventing a possible armageddon tie breaker.
“Big applause to San Juan Predators, Grand Champion, Open Conference! To the Kiselas, congratulations for stunning performance this season as grand champion Wesley So Cup, 1st Runner Up Open Conference, 3rd Runner Up All Filipino Conference, and 1st Runner Up Tag Team Tuesday! Foremost, congratulations to Paul Elauria and the PCAP management for a very successful Season 1.” said Iloilo Kisela Knights Team Owner Leo Sotaridona.
Meanwhile, Atty. Arnel Batungbakal of Caloocan Loadmanna Knights bested Penang, Malaysia, 14.5-6.5, in the battle for third.