by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—Grandmasters Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla and John Paul Gomez powered the Laguna Heroes to a 14-7 victory over the Davao Executive Chess Wizards led by a Ariel Nino Aton in the third conference of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Wednesday night, Oct. 27 virtually held at Chess.com Platform.
Barcenilla, a many-time Battle of the GMs champion, defeated Aton in 38 moves of an Italian Game, Two Knights Defense while Gomez trounced John Ray Batucan in 53 moves of a Modern defense.
the Laguna team is backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali. Also delivering for Laguna in the rapid event were Michella Concio, Vince Angelo Medina, Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo and Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat.
Concio toppled Woman National Master Ella Grace Moulic in 50 moves of a London System Opening, Medina outclassed National Master Aglipay Oberio in 37 moves of Caro-Kann defense, Lorenzo split the point with Anthony Mosqueda in 40 moves of a Sicilian defense while Bayangat settled a truce with Arnel Aton in 13 moves of a Queens Pawn Opening.
National Master Alexander Lupian provided the full point for Davao after beating FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad in 39 moves of an English Opening.
“We are happy for having a nice game against Davao Executive Chess Wizards,” said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Fred Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes that include Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO, Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice and Engr. Jonathan Mamaril of Oregon, USA.
After their blitz encounter ended in a 4-3 triumph in favor of Laguna, Barcenilla struck the hardest in dominating the rapid phase, 10-4, and claiming the win.
Laguna, meantime yielded to San Juan Predators, 11-10, in the following match. San Juan remains on top with a 13-0 clean slate while Laguna now has 11-2.