by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA---The Laguna-Dasmariñas barely survive a cliff-hanging encounter between Pasig King Pirates and San Juan Predators in another showdown match in the 2023 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) first conference tournament held thru online Platform Chess.com on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
Laguna-Dasmariñas took down Pasig King Pirates, 11.5-9.5, and edged San Juan Predators, 11-10.
Laguna banked on their signature hot start in the first seven playing boards against Pasig and immediately clinched a 4.5-2.5 lead.
Four straight wins spearheaded by IM Daniel Quizon, WNM Jerlyn Mae San Diego, IM Michael Concio Jr., and FM Dino Ballecer and drawn by GM Rogelio Barcenilla Jr.
After a good start in the blitz category, the Laguna-Dasmariñas received a closer fight from the Pasig King Pirates that turned the rapid category into a ‘nip-and-tuck’ affair.
However, a crucial back-to-back win streak in the fifth and sixth playing board in the rapid category sealed the deal for Laguna-Dasmariñas courtesy of Arena Grandmaster Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo and Ballecer.
Lorenzo routed Kevin Arquero while Ballecer nipped IM Cris Ramayrat Jr.
Quizon, Barcenilla and IM Angelo Abundo Young split the points against IM Eric Labog Jr., GM Mark Paragua, and NM Rudy Ibanez in the first, second, and fourth playing boards, respectively.
Meanwhile, against San Juan, the Laguna-Dasmariñas chess team backed up by Cavite Fourth District Rep. Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga Jr. went beast mode and grabbed the lead in the blitz category, 6-1.
Laguna then took full control of the game after a winning streak sparked by Quizon, Barcenilla, WFM Shania Mae Mendoza, Concio, and Ballecer and draws by Young and Lorenzo.
Quizon bested NM Karl Victor Ochoa, Barcenilla outpointed IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, Mendoza trounced WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, Concio subdued Narquingel Reyes while Ballecer crushed FM Narquingden Reyes.
Young, on the other hand, drew with IM Ricardo de Guzman while Lorenzo halved the point with IM Paulo Bersamina.
In the rapid play, San Juan dealt Laguna-Dasmariñas, 9-5, but not enough to win the game.
“Both matches against Pasig and San Juan were really tough. Our winning margin in blitz became a big factor to have twin victories tonight. I really appreciate the players for their character and determination to win". said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Fred Paez, one of the owners of the Laguna Dasmariñas team franchise.
Other supporters of Laguna Dasmariñas are Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO and Greatech Philippines, Engr. Billy Joe Ereňo of Costbusters Philippine Corp., Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice Foods and Jolly Smile Dental Clinic.
The win helped Laguna Dasmariñas improve its win-loss mark to 22-1 in the Northern division and grabs the solo lead. -Marlon Bernardino-
Team Standings:
Northern Division
Laguna-Dasmariñas (22-1 )
San Juan (21-2 )
Pasig (17-6)
Manila (14-9)
Mandaluyong (12-11)
Cavite (12-11)
Cagayan (10-13)
Rizal (8-15)
Isabela (5-16)
Quezon (4-19)
Southern Division
Negros Island Region (21-2)
Davao (16-7)
Toledo (16-7)
Camarines-Iriga (13-10)
Iloilo (12-11)
Surigao (10-13)
Zamboanga (8-15)
Tacloban (4-19)
Mindoro (2-21)
Cebu (2-21)