by Marlon Bernardino
The Laguna Heroes came back from its loss against Caloocan Loadmanna Knights when it scored a victory against Cavite Spartans on Saturday, March 6, 2021 in the All Filipino Conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) online tournament at the new platform chess.com.
The Barangay Malamig, Mandaluyong City native Grandmaster Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla’s skillful endgame maneuvers powered the Laguna team to a 17.5-3.5 whipping of Cavite.
The Arizona, US based Barcenilla won the blitz after 34 moves of London System Opening and prevail in rapid after 42 moves of Double Fianchetto Opening against Arena Grandmaster Voltaire Marc Paraguya in their Board 1 encounter.
“I have to train hard for this competition, give my best, and give a good show," said Barcenilla, a two-time (1989 and 1990) Asian Juniors champion in India and Dubai and 1991 Bronze medalist in World Juniors championship in Romania, whose stint here is being supported by Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) president Dr. Alfredo "Fred" Paez, engr. Benjamin Dy, engr. Jonathan Mamaril and Mr. David Nithyananthan.
Fide Master Austin Jacob Literatus, meantime swept Lloyd Rubio in blitz after 39 moves of King's Indian defense and triumph in rapid after 48 moves of Benko defense in their Board 2 clash.
Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo, on the other hand toppled Renie Malupa in blitz after 51 moves of Sicilian defense and in rapid after 49 moves of Modern defense in their Board 7 skirmish.
Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez beat Melizah Ruth Carreon in blitz after 50 moves of Old Benoni defense and split the point in rapid after 65 moves of French defense in Board 3.
Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad yielded to International Master Petronio Roca in blitz after 27 moves of Benoni defense but won his match in the rapid play after 51 moves of French defense in Board 4.
Grandmaster John Paul Gomez halving the point with Israel Landicho in blitz after 41 moves of London System Opening and won his match in rapid after 45 moves of French defense in Board 5.
Vince Angelo Medina routed Jayson Visca in blitz after 46 moves of Trompovsky Opening and drew with in rapid after 48 moves of Dutch defense in Board 6.
Team Laguna backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Rotary Club of Nuvali won the blitz, 5.5-1.5, and the rapid, 12-2.
With the victory over Cavite Spartans, the Laguna Heroes, held on to the top of the Northern Division with an 23-4 slate, in a three-way tie with Caloocan Loadmanna Knights and San Juan Predators.
Meanwhile, Cavite Spartans, who brought down Rizal Batch Towers, 12-9, earlier, remains in sixth place at 14-13.
The Laguna look to extend their winning streak Wednesday night, March 10, 2021 when they face Olongapo Rainbow Team 7 and Pasig City King Pirates.
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-
Photo shows Grandmaster Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr.