By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Kisela Knights wrapped up their 2023 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) 1st conference Saturday schedule with a 1-1 record last March 11, 2023.
Coming off a hot four-game winning streak, the Ilonggo chess players took care of business against the Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, 16.5-4.5, and fell short against the Magic Mandaluyong Tigers, 5.5-15.5.
The Kisela Knights immediately found their groove against Quezon City when they opened up the clash with a 6.5-0.5 lead, courtesy of a terrific five-board winning streak to close out the blitz category.
Horizon Villanueva kicked off Iloilo’s scoring spree ended with twin wins from NM Rolly Parondo Jr. and Mark Jossel Mariano in the last two boards.
Despite a fightback from the Simba’s Tribe in the last seven playing boards, it was Iloilo who still came out on top after huge wins from Jovelyn Sepanton and NM Cesar Mariano propelled the squad to a 10-4 lead after the rapid category.
However, the Kisela Knights received a wake-up call during their showdown with Magic Mandaluyong.
Unlike their strong start against Quezon City, the Kisela Knights had a slow beginning against Mandaluyong.
The slow start saw them trail by as much as four points when Mandaluyong headed to the rapid category with a 5.5-1.5 lead.
Iloilo gave their all in the last seven playing boards after Villanueva quickly grabbed the win in the second match but Mandaluyong kept their momentum and got the better of the Kisela Knights down the stretch.
The Kisela Knights are still in the top five teams of the Southern Division with an impressive 8-5 win-loss record off 140.5 points and are trailing behind Negros, Davao, and Toledo.
Iloilo will look to bounce back tomorrow as they are set to square off with Rizal in their first match and Cavite in the last.
