by Marlon Bernardino
THE Cavite Spartans scored another 16.5-4.5 sterling victory over Cordova Dutchess Dagami Warriors to strengthening their bid in the on-going All Filipino Conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Wednesday, (February 24, 2021) held online via the lichess platform.
After absorbing a heart-breaking loss to Zamboanga Sultans, 10-11, and Camarines Soaring Eagles, 8-13, last Saturday (February 17, 2021), the Cavite woodpushers came back strong as Kevin Arquero, International Master Petronio Roca, Ricardo Batcho, Jayson Visca and Louercel Hernandez Ecot mauled their respective foes.
Arquero toppled National Master Edsel Montoya in 46 moves of Caro-Kann defense on board one, Roca dismantled National Master Mario Mangubat in 39 moves of Modern defense on board four, Batcho subdued Rex Androe Cabungcal in 37 moves of Caro-Kann defense on board five, Visca checkmated Franciso Rivera in 65 moves of Queen's Pawn Game on board six while Ecot outclassed Dione Patrick Minoza in 41 moves of Stonewall System Opening on board seven to win the rapid section, 11-3, victory was sealed.
Allan Pason and Woman International Master Bernadette Galas carried the fight for the Dutchess Dagami Warriors.
Pason halving the point with Arena Grandmaster Marlon Bernardino in 18 moves of London System Opening on board two while Galas defeated Melizah Ruth Carreon in 74 moves of French defense on board three.
The Spartans encountered easy in the blitz portion, scoring a 5.5-1.5 win.
They Spartans improved to 11-10 win-loss record in the Northern Division while the Dutchess Dagami Warriors dropped to 6-15 in the Southern Division.
Prior to beating the Dutchess Dagami Warriors, the Spartans, bannered by Arquero, crushed the Cebu City Machers, 13.5-7.5.
The Spartans backed up by Rep. Jon-Jon A. Ferrer, Mayor Ony A. Ferrer, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso O. Panga, Mam Elvira Roca of Skin Magical Dist4 ,CARSIGMA Cavite and JC Premiere Business Center Office Marikina look to another great performance Saturday night (February 27, 2021) when they face Iloilo Kisela Knights and Iriga City Oragons.
The 24-team pro chess tournament is organized by PCAP, headed by President-Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria; Chairman Michael Angelo Chua; and treasurer Atty. Arnel Batungbakal.
The games are sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra and supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Rep. Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr.-Marlon Bernardino-
A file photo shows Kevin Arquero (right) ponder his next moves against Vincent Balena.