by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA, Philippines—The defending Champion Laguna Heroes and the San Juan Predators arranged a mouth-watering northern final duel after beating their respective rivals Saturday (July 24, 2021) in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) dubbed as GM Wesley So Cup virtual tournament held through chess.com.
Led by Sub-Import Ukranian Grandmaster Kirill Shevchenko (above right) and two-time Asian Junior Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. (above left), the Laguna Heroes of Dr. Fred Paez outlasted Manila Indios Bravos of Mr. Joey Elauria, 2-1, in Armageddon play while the San Juan Predators of Mr. Michael Angelo Ong Chua stunned the Antipolo Cobras of Mr. Mc Daniel Ebao, 13-8, and 11.5-9.5, in 2 sets.
In the Armageddon, Shevchenko trounced FIDE Master Deniel Causo in Board 1 while Barcenilla beat National Master Jerome Balico in Board 2.
Sub-Import Indonesian International Master Yoseph Taher defeated Grandmaster John Paul Gomez in Board 3 to prevent a possible shut-out loss for Manila Indios Bravos.
Backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali, the Laguna Heroes and the Manila Indios Bravos split the score 12-9, 9-12, in their first two matches to force an Armageddon play.
“Kirill (Shevchenko) and (Rogelio) “Banjo” (Barcenilla Jr.), both our top players, great efforts, nice game.” said Dr. Fred Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes including Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO, Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice and Engr. Jonathan Mamaril of Oregon, USA.
“I just feel like everything is falling into place,” GM Barcenilla said. “When I got here, obviously the goal is to win another championship and we’re two wins away.”
Meanwhile, Cordova Dagami Warriors of Dr. Ariel Potot swept Negros Kingsmen of Atty. Jason Bandal, 13.5-7.5, and 12-9, in 2 sets to face Iloilo Kisela Knights of Mr. Leo Sotaridona in the southern final encounter on Wednesday (July 28, 2021), winner over Camarines Sur Soaring Eagles of Engr. Jojo Buenaventura, 1-2 (Armageddon), 12.5-8.5, 2-1, (Armageddon).