by Marlon Bernardino
Manila—The Mindanao team Surigao Diamond Knights demolished Edmonton Oilers Uniteam in their best of three final match 2-0 to win the championship trophy of the highly competitive professional team chess competition Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio Cup Philippine Chess League Season 3 virtually held at Lichess Platform.
The Knights, owned by Arena Grand Master (AGM) Rey Urbiztondo, defeated the Oliers, 136-98 in Game 1 of the Standard Chess Competition, 10 minutes play to finish time control format.
The Knights continued their momentum against the Oilers, eked out a 144-46 wins in Game 2 of the Fischer random chess, also known as Chess960, a variation of the game of chess invented by the late World Chess Champion Bobby Fischer.
According to Tournament Director National Arbiter and Engineer Joel Anthony Hicap, the total combined score 280-144 in favor for Surigao Diamond Knights Team.
On the road to the finals, the Surigao Diamond Knights beat Durianburg of Davao in the quarterfinals and Chessmis TV in the semifinals.
Aside from Urbiztondo, the team is managed by Engr. Dodjie Morales, sponsored by Congressman Robert Ace Barbers and assisted by playing team coach Atty. Cliburn Anthony Orbe, team captain Engr. Joselito Serna and team coordinator Mr. Mark Antes.
PCL is an online chess league organized by the Philippines’ Finest Chess Club.
“To the team, pleased to announce another P10,000 bonus from our Team Manager, Engr. Dodjie Morales. Congratulations again. That makes P20,000 bonus if added to my earlier commitment of P10,000 bonus!” said Urbiztondo.
“We are the Champions of Philippine Chess League ( Season 3), a national chess team competition! Congratulations to Surigao Diamond Knights players! With team sponsor : Congressman Ace Barbers; team manager – Engr. Dodjie Morales; team coach – Atty . Cliburn Orbe ; team captain – Engr. Joselito Serna; team coordinator -Mr. Mark Antes and myself as the playing team owner.” he added.
Other members of the team are Atty. Melzar Galicia, Atty. Jason Bandal, Dr. Wil Maghanoy, Fr. Vic Arellano, Lennon Hart Salgados, Kevin Mirano, Alfred Rapanot, Cyrus Donasco, Adrian Perez, Rodney Opada, Alexis Emil Maribao, Reynaldo Quinonez, Deo Sandro Ladion, Francis Joseph, John Ranel Morazo, Antonio Chavez, Mariel Batulan-Romero, Gladys Romero, Lovelyn Rapanot, James Catayas, Mark Gabriel Usman and Jerome Pullos.
The Knights are the sister team of Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, competing in the 2022 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) tournament.
The Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates was tied at 3rd to 5th in PCAP. They defeated all Mindanao Teams: Davao, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and Pagadian.