Team Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates defeated Iloilo Kisela Knights in the Quarterfinals of Professional Chess Association of the Philippines-PCAP to face Camarines Soaring Eagles of Engr. Jojo Buenaventura, the top seed in the Southern Division for the Semi Finals.
Photo shows AGM and Honorary NM Rey C. Urbiztondo, the team owner and playing coach of Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates at left, shaking hand with IM Rolando Nolte to start the chess tournament and chess clinic recently in Ozamis City.
The thrilling quarter finals was won by Surigao via Armageddon, 2-1, on 15th May 2024 at Chess.com Platform.
With the win of NM Rogelio Enriquez Jr. versus NM Fritz Porras and the drawn game of IM Rolando Nolte versus NM John Michael Silvederio. The points were awarded to IM Nolte as black in the Armageddon ruling. NM Rolly Parondo Jr. won against NM Joey Florendo to score for Iloilo.
Earlier, the first set was won by Iloilo 13-8, while Surigao took the second match, 11.5-9.5 to set up the tie break via Armageddon. It was their second Armageddon match as last season, they also clashed in the tie break and won by Iloilo.
AGM and Honorary NM Rey C. Urbiztondo, the team owner and playing coach said,it was finally their first time to reach the semis as they are always in the quarter finals every conference but not yet for the semis and beating the former champion Iloilo is a big improvement for the Mindanao team.
The Surigao Team is being supported by District Engr. Dohjie Morales of DPWH as team manager and sponsored by Cong. Ace Barbers.
Meanwhile, Davao Chess Eagles defeated Tacloban Vikings in 2 sets, 11.5-9.5, and 17-5, to arrange a final four showdown with second seed Toledo-Xignex Trojans.
PCAP, the country’s first and only play-for-pay league, is headed by President-Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria, Chairman Michael Angelo Chua and Treasurer Atty. Arnel Batungbakal.