by Marlon Bernardino
MANILA--- The Laguna-Dasmariñas showed why they are the top team in the Northern Division after edging Manila Indios Bravos, 11-10, in their second match of the ongoing 2023 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) first conference tournament held thru the online Platform Chess.com on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
Fresh off a dominating 11.5-9.5 win against the Magic Mandaluyong Tigers during their opening match, the Laguna-Dasmariñas were led by solid performances by Grandmaster Rogelio Barcenilla Jr., International Master Michael Concio Jr. and draws by International Master Daniel Quizon and Woman Fide Master Shania Mae Mendoza.
Laguna-Dasmariñas had a shaky start during the blitz category and dropped three of their playing boards that enabled the Manila Indios Bravos to get the upper hand, 4-3.
Eager to bounce back after an inconsistent run in the first seven playing boards, the Laguna-Dasmariñas chess team was quick to flip the switch and turn up the finishing blow which ended the rapid category on an 8-6 score.
Quizon defeated NM Rolando Andador on board two, Concio nipped Jovert Valenzuela on board five, FM Dino Ballecer subdued Jhulo Goloran on board six and AGM Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo routed FM Carlos Edgardo Garma on board seven.
The Laguna-Dasmariñas chess team backed up by Cavite Fourth District Rep. Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga Jr. dropped a three board in the rapid category.
IM Ronald Dableo upset Barcenilla on board one, WCM Christy Lamiel Bernales toppled Mendoza on board three and IM Chito Garma trounced IM Angelo Abundo Young on board four.
"Our victories against Mandaluyong and Manila were really nerve-wracking. I would like commend our players, especially the homegrowns, for their solid performances in the rapid. It was a close match indeed," 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 24-1 in the Northern division and stay them to the no. 1 ranking of the Northern division with 343 points.
PCAP, the country’s first play-for-pay league, is headed by PCAP President Atty. Paul Elauria, sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land, and PCWorx and sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board in close cooperation with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines led by chairman/president Rep. Prospero "Butch" Arreza Pichay Jr.
The PCAP was established in collaboration with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines with the end view of bringing further to the fore the sport of chess, which has experienced a resurgence during the time of the coronavirus pandemic. -Marlon Bernardino-
-Marlon Bernardino-
Team Standings:
Northern Division
Laguna-Dasmariñas (24-1 )
San Juan (23-2 )
Pasig (19-6)
Manila (14-11)
Cavite (14-11)
Mandaluyong (13-12)
Cagayan (10-15)
Rizal (8-17)
Isabela (6-19)
Quezon (4-19)
Southern Division
Negros Island Region (23-2)
Davao (18-7)
Toledo (17-8)
Camarines-Iriga (13-12)
Iloilo (12-13)
Surigao (11-14)
Zamboanga (9-16)
Tacloban (5-20)
Mindoro (4-21)
Cebu (2-23)