By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Kisela Knights pulled off another dominant match day after sweeping their November 22, 2023 schedule in the ongoing Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Wesley So Cup second conference.
Iloilo was successful in capturing another back-to-back win streak outing after outdueling the Camarines Soaring Eagles, 15.5-5.5, and the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 12.5-8.5.
The Kisela Knights got off to a hot start against the Soaring Eagles after taking a commanding lead in the first seven playing boards.
Iloilo quickly grabbed the advantage when they won the first five boards in the blitz category led by Rolando Andador, Jovelyn Sepanton, Cesar Mariano, and Mark Jossel Mariano.
Despite a brave stand from Camarines in the rapid category, the Kisela Knights still prevailed after picking up where they left off from their blitz victory.
After losing the first playing board, Iloilo never looked back and hosted a reverse sweep when they won all the next six. The offensive snowball was made possible after the stellar performances of Rolly Parondo Jr. and Fritz Bryan Porras.
Meanwhile, against Surigao, it was a different scenario as the Kisela Knights trailed after the first seven playing boards, 2.5-4.5.
Needing one final push to complete the sweep, the Kisela Knights doubled their effort in the rapid category to turn the tables of the match.
From facing a two-point deficit, Iloilo clawed their way back after outscoring the Fianchetto Checkmates, 10-4.
The Kisela Knights will still have two more games remaining before the PCAP playoffs kick off to determine their final ranking in the tournament’s Southern Division.
