Toledo Xignex Trojans Sweep Eliminations of PCAP SGM Wesley So Cup

The Toledo Xignex Trojans continue to impress in their campaign for the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) SGM Wesley So Cup. The Trojans beat the Mindoro Tamaraws on 28th October 28 2024 to extend their remarkable unbeaten streak to 22-0.

The Toledo Xignex Trojans, the reigning Southern Division champions Trojans, toppled Tamaraws, 15-6 to sweep the elimination round. The Trojans are backed up by Atty. Jean Gacang.

The Trojans wrapped up the blitz round with a 7-0 score and continued their winning momentum in the rapid round, securing an 8-6 triumph.

Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., led the charge with impressive back-to-back wins against Ryan Agbunag in both the blitz and rapid rounds on board one.

Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia and International Master Angelo Young also made significant contributions, each securing two wins against Cylliz Kaessa Merilles and Cesar Cunanan, respectively.

“Play with confidence, play with heart, and most importantly, play for each other,” said Antonio, the 13-time Philippine Open champion.

FIDE Master Ellan Asuela routed International Master Liu Xiangyi of Singapore in blitz but was beaten in rapid game.

International Master Kim Stevan Yap trounced Jefferson Pascua in blitz but faltered in their rapid encounter.

Diego Abraham Capariño won over FIDE Master Julius Joseph De Ramos but yielded to Nezil Arj Merilles.

In other matches, Davao Chess Eagles defeated Arriba Iriga, 16.5-4.5; Camarines Soaring Eagles were beaten by Bacolod Blitzers, 12.5-8.5; and Iloilo Kisela Knights beat Pasig City Grassroots Knights, 14-7.

All playoff games will consist of two sets. Higher seed teams play White on Board 1 Blitz for the 1st set. Colors are reversed for second set.

Toledo Xignex Trojans will face Davao Chess Eagles while Camarines Soaring Eagles will meet Iloilo Kisela Knights.

Over in the Northern Conference, defending champion Manila Load Manna Knights beat Cagayan Kings, 15.5-5.5; San Juan Predators crushed Isabela Knights of Alexander, 18.5-2.5; Cavite Spartans smashed Rizal Batch Towers, 19-2; and Pasig City King Pirates edged IIEE-PSME Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, 11.5-9.5.

In the playoff games, it will be San Juan Predators versus Cagayan Kings while Pasig City King Pirates versus Manila Load Manna Knights.

PCAP, the country’s first play-for-pay league, is headed by President- Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria, Chairman Michael Angelo Chua, Treasurer Atty. Arnel Batungbakal and technical committee head Engr. Jojo Buenaventura.

Games are sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), headed by chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera.-Marlon Bernardino-