by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA—Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. and Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat trounced their respective foes as the Laguna Heroes thrashed the Caloocan Loadmanna Knights, 15.5-5.5, in the third conference of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) held via Chess.com Platform on Saturday, November 6, 2021.
The Arizona, USA-based GM Barcenilla, a former two-time Asian Junior champion, whipped International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 43 moves of a King’s Indian defense on board two while Bayangat upset International Master Barlo Nadera after 75 moves of a Queen’s Pawn Opening on board five.
“CM Arjie Bayangat was a great revelation in tonight. Blanking IM Barlo Nadera both in blitz and rapid was a difficult task. I really appreciate the team for the determination to hurdle our match against tough Caloocan Team,” said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Fred Paez, president of the Philippine Executive Chess Association and one of the four co-team owners of the Heroes that include Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO, Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice and Engr. Jonathan Mamaril of Oregon, USA.
Laguna’s strong start sparked by Barcenilla and Bayangat was a big boost as Michella Concio nipped Woman National Master Arvie Lozano after 55 moves of English Opening on board three and FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad dealt International Master Domingo Ramos after 45 moves of a French defense on board four for a 10-4 victory in the rapid section.
Laguna’s board one player Grandmaster John Paul Gomez and board seven bet Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo settled for draws with Caloocan’s International Master Paulo Bersamina and FIDE Master Nelson Villanueva, respectively.
Paul Sanchez provided the full point for Caloocan after beating Vince Angelo Medina after 71 moves of King’s Indian attack on board six.
The Heroes, who are backed by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali, also prevailed convincingly over the Loadmanna Knights ,5.5-1.5, in the blitz portion.
Laguna also blasted Rizal Batch Towers, 14-7.
Up next for the Heroes who tote a 15-4 win-loss record in the Northern Division are the Olongapo Rainbow Team 7 and Pengcheng Chess Club (China) on Wednesday (November 10, 2021).