By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Kisela Knights racked its third-straight victory in the ongoing Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) 1st conference Saturday schedule last April 15, 2023.
After back-to-back sweeping wins against the Arriba Iriga City-Camarines and the Tacloban Vikings during their last schedule, the Ilonggos picked up where they left off and took down the Cebu Niños, 14-7.
Equipped with the momentum they had from their huge wins last April 12, 2023, the Kisela Knights entered the elimination match oozing with confidence to immediately grab the early lead in the blitz category, 4-3.
The offensive showcase was kicked off by two-straight victories courtesy of Hubert Canto and Mark Jossel Mariano in the first two playing boards.
After the quick hot start, NM Rolly Parondo Jr. and NM John Michael Silvederio took charge late and were responsible for Iloilo’s one-point lead heading into the final category of the duel.
It was the same story at the start of the rapid category as the prized Ilonggo chess masters had another terrific start in the last seven playing boards.
The duo of Canto and Mariano replicated their blitz category mastery after delivering four quick points to the Kisela Knights and helped the momentum swing their side after a 2-0 score on the boards.
Iloilo then ran three-straight board wins in the last five games to close the show with a 10-4 lead in the rapid category.
NM Cesar Mariano, NM Parondo Jr., and NM Silvederio were responsible for Iloilo’s last-minute outburst that helped them prevent any comeback attempt from the Cebuanos.
With their third-straight win, the Kisela Knights just improved to 15 wins and 13 losses and are still the no. 4 team in the Southern division.
