By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Kisela Knights’ stellar run continues in the postseason after demolishing the Cagayan De Oro-Misamis Oriental Chess Association in two straight games, 16.5-4.5, 17-4, during the quarterfinals of the 2022 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) tournament.
No mercy was shown on the side of Iloilo as they just outplayed and dominated Cagayan De Oro in all the 28 total playing boards in two matches.
During their first showdown, Cagayan De Oro showed some fight at the start of the blitz category after only trailing by two points, 4.5-2.5.
However, the onslaught started in the last seven playing boards as the Kisela Knights launched a demolition operation, annihilating Cagayan De Oro, 12-2.
There was nothing that Cagayan De Oro could do in the second match after the Kisela Knights immediately grabbed a 6-1 lead in the blitz category courtesy of dominant performances from Karl Viktor Ochoa, WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, and GM Rogelio Antonio Jr.
Cagayan De Oro started the rapid category on a high note after quickly clinching the first board win but Iloilo retaliated with six straight board wins.
The huge win against Cagayan De Oro will setup a highly-anticipated semifinals clash between Iloilo and their rival Negros.
Meanwhile, in the other semifinals bracket of the southern division, the resilient Toledo team trounced Zamboanga and will go up against Davao which took down Camarines in the quarterfinals.
