By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Kisela Knights extended their winning streak to four straight matches after sweeping another Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Wesley So Cup second conference scheduled last October 11, 2023.
After hacking out crucial wins against Surigao and Camarines during their last game day, the Kisela Knights made it four-in-a-row after outdueling Iriga, 11.5-9.5, and Mindoro, 15.6.
It was a dominant performance for the Ilonggos after outscoring Iriga, 5.5-1.5, in the first seven playing boards.
An early surge from the Kisela Knights made a difference as Jovelyn Sepanton kicked off Iloilo’s four-board winning streak capped off by Rolly Parondo Jr.’s victory over Glennen Artuz.
However, Iriga bounced back in the rapid category and completed its comeback, stunning the Kisela Knights with a strong start in the first three boards.
Iloilo then countered with their own offense midway through the rapid duel as Cesar Mariano halted their dry spell by winning the board against Roger Pesimo.
Despite the strong finish by Iriga, the Kisela Knights still prevailed in the match as their wide lead in the blitz category proved to be enough to help them edge the opposition.
Against Mindoro, the Ilonggos led in both categories and ended their night in style, taking them down in the blitz category with a score of 6-1 while nipping them in the last seven playing boards, 9-5.
After the Kisela Knights bagged the first six playing boards in the blitz category, Iloilo started to ramp up the intensity and carried their momentum in the rapid.
Honorable mentions during their insane run were Prin Laohawlrapap, Mariano, and Parondo Jr. who swept both wins in back-to-back playing boards.
