MANILA---Grandmasters Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla and John Paul Gomez powered the Laguna Heroes to a 14-7 victory over a Ariel Nino Aton-led Davao Executive Chess Wizards in the third conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Wednesday night, Oct. 27 virtually held at Chess.com Platform.
Barcenilla, a many-time Battle of the GMs champion, defeated Aton in 38 moves of Italian Game, Two Knights Defense while Gomez trounced John Ray Batucan in 53 moves of Modern defense.
Backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali, also delivering for Laguna in the rapid event were Michella Concio, Vince Angelo Medina, Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo and Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat.
Concio toppled Woman National Master Ella Grace Moulic in 50 moves of London System Opening, Medina outclassed National Master Aglipay Oberio in 37 moves of Caro-Kann defense, Lorenzo split the point with Anthony Mosqueda in 40 moves of Sicilian defense while Bayangat settled a truce with Arnel Aton in 13 moves of Queens Pawn Opening.
National Master Alexander Lupian provided the full point for Davao after beating Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad in 39 moves of English Opening.
"We are happy for having a nice game against Davao Executive Chess Wizards," said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Fred Paez, one of the four co-team owner of the Laguna Heroes that include Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO, Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice and Engr. Jonathan Mamaril of Oregon, USA.
After their blitz encounter ended in a 4-3 triumph in favor of Laguna, Barcenilla struck the hardest in dominating the rapid phase, 10-4, and claiming the win.
Laguna, meantime yielded to San Juan Predators, 11-10, in the following match. San Juan remain on top with 13-0 clean slate while Laguna now has 11-2