By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Kisela Knights wasted no time and buckled down to work early in their first match of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) season-ender tournament against the Palawan Queen’s Gambit, 18-3.
PCAP’s season-ender is backed by the San Miguel Corporation-Ayala Land Premier Association and announced a fun-filled journey for all Filipino chess players.
As the Kisela Knights are preparing for the tough battle ahead, it also seemed like they are still in their championship form when they crushed Palawan to immediately grab a 1-0 record.
Iloilo still got the same intact core roster that brought them the title last season headed by GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., NM Cesar Mariano, Karl Viktor Ochoa, and NM John Michael Silvederio.
It was a familiar sight to see as the Kisela Knights jumped to an early lead in the Blitz category when they blanked Palawan in the first seven playing boards, 7-0.
The Ilonggo onslaught didn’t stop there as Fritz Bryan Porras led the offensive attack in the Rapid category that gave them an 11-3 advantage.
Iloilo’s masterful performance immediately put them at the top of the overall standings with 18 points.
Chess fans will be treated to a delight in the next schedule of Iloilo as they are bound for a rematch against rival squad Camarines Soaring Eagles on September 22, 2021.
