By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Kisela Knights clinched another semifinal seat in the ongoing 2022 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) third conference tournament last November 30, 2022.
Iloilo continued its consistent and steady offense to sweep the Camarines-Iriga chess squad, 16.5-4.5, 12.5-8.5, during the recently concluded tournament quarterfinals.
After ending the elimination phase on a high note with a commanding win over PCL Pagadian, the Kisela Knights picked up where they left off and didn’t give any chances on Camarines-Iriga.
The Kisela Knights replicated its dominant start for the second-straight week after wrapping up the first seven playing boards with a 5.5-1.5 lead.
Eager to clinch the first series win, the Kisela Knights stuck with their offensive lineup and got huge wins from GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., Karl Viktor Ochoa, and WFM Cherry Ann Mejia.
Camarines-Iriga attempted some late comeback rally after taking the fifth playing board but the Kisela Knights countered with back-to-back wins.
During their second encounter, Camarines-Iriga displayed a better start in the blitz category and managed to tie things up with Iloilo, 3.5-3.5.
The opposition continued its hots start after winning the second playing board in the rapid category but NM Rolly Parondo Jr. came to the rescue and restored order for the Iloilo side.
NM Parondo Jr.’s huge win only didn’t break Camarines-Iriga’s momentum but also paved the way for another board win from NM Fritz Bryan Porras.
The 2022 PCAP semifinal is yet to be announced but the Kisela Knights will already go back to the drawing board and prepare for their next foe.
