MANILA---The Laguna Heroes recovered from a setback to the Manila Indios Bravos by blasting the Isabela’s Knights of Alexander, 13.5-7.5, in the third conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) online tournament via chess.com Wednesday, November 3, 2021.
Grandmaster Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr. bested National Master Gerardo Cabellon to power the Heroes to a 13-4 win-loss record in the Northern Division.
The Knights of Alexander slipped to 9-8.
Barcenilla, a many-time national champion, downed Cabellon in 49 moves of King’s Indian Defense, Saemitch variation in their rapid duel.
"It was tough playing against Manila Indios Bravos and Isabela’s Knights of Alexander Teams. Both teams had solid line ups. I really admire our players for giving their best shot," 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.
Also delivering wins for the Heroes backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali were Fide Master Austin Jacob Literatus, Grandmaster John Paul Gomez and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo.
Literatus defeated International Master Angelo Young in 55 moves of King's Indian defense, Gomez beat Renan Rabago in 51 moves of Queen's Pawn Opening while Lorenzo subdued Anwar Cabugatan in 62 moves of Caro-Kann defense.
Laguna's Michella Concio split the point with Woman Candidate Master Christy Lamiel Bernales in 38 moves of French defense.
International Master Emmanuel Senador and Lordwin Espiritu carried the good fight for the Isabela by crushing Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad and Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat, respectively.
After Laguna won their blitz encounter, 4.5-2.5, Barcenilla struck the hardest in dominating the rapid phase, 9-5, and claiming the win.
Earlier, Laguna yielded to Manila, 11-10, while Isabela succumbed to San Juan, 14.5-6.5
Up next for the Heroes are the Caloocan Loadmanna Knights and Rizal Batch Towers on Saturday.
The San Juan Predators and Pasig City King Pirates currently pace the Northern Division with similar 16-1 records while Iloilo Kisela Knights (13-4) and Paralympics (13-3 with one armageddon tie breaker) are lording the Southern Division.