By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Kisela Knights needed to be at their best after getting tested big time by the Antipolo Cobras, 12.5-8.5, in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) season II “Wesley So Cup Conference” Day 8.
Iloilo found themselves in a deep hole early in the game after Antipolo manhandled them in the Blitz category, 6.5-1.5 led by FM David Elorta and USNM Jose Aquino Jr.
The Kisela Knights needed to finish the Rapid category flawlessly which they did after winning all of their seven playing boards.
WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, Dennis Bernas, NM John Michael Silvederio, and Cesar Mariano led the Rapid category frenzy that saw a 6.5-1.5 deficit rise to an 11-3 run and closed the show with a win.
The Kisela Knights split their PCAP Day 8 campaign after falling in their first game against the Caloocan Loadmanna Knights, 11-10.
It was a close call and was one of the most intense matchups in PCAP Season II. The Kisela Knights went short of two more points to secure the victory.
Despite the split finish, the Kisela Knights still sit in the top five of the Southern Division, currently at the top three spot.