by Marlon Bernardino
Thirteen-time National Open champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. proved unstoppable at the top board as he led the Iloilo Kisela Knights to a 16.5-4.5 victory over Negros Kingsmen in the clash of the league titans in the PCAP All-Filipino Conference Wednesday night, March 10, 2021 at chess.com.

Antonio, who is best to remember finish second in the 50-and-above division of the 27th World Seniors Chess Championship in Acqui Terme, Italy four years ago, dismantled International Master Joel Pimentel after 51 moves of Sicilian defense, Alapin variation.
"We had to do our job. It was a tough match but we showed our character." said Antonio, who post his Knight at e6 square in move 51 threatened double attack Pimentel's rook and king that force the latter to resign.

Karl Victor Ochoa crushed Fide Master Nelson "Elo" Mariano III after 33 moves of Ruy Lopez Opening, Morphy defense in board 2 to help propel the Kisela Knights to a share of first with Camarines Soaring Eagles and Negros with identical 25-4 win-loss records in the Southern Conference.
Fritz Bryan Porras, Dennis Bermas and National Master John Michael Silvederio again took care of the lower boards outplaying their equally talented counterparts, Junaico Segismar, National Master Rolzon Roullo and Adrian Dela Cruz.

Porras bested Segismar after 113 moves of Queen's Pawn Opening, Accelerated London System in board 5, Bermas trounced Roullo after 45 moves of Scandinavian defense in board 6 while Silvederio nipped Dela Cruz after 71 moves of King's Indian defense in board 7.
Arena Grandmaster Rowela "Kajoy" Acedo's win over Woman Fide Master Cherry Ann Mejia in board 3 and National Master Rosendo Bandal Jr. split the point with National Master Cesar Mariano in board 4 in the rapid was not enough to prevent Negros’s fourth loss in the game.
Iloilo also won in blitz portion, 5.5-1.5, before crushing Negros, 11-3, in the rapid format.

"It is encouraging to see the hard works of team Iloilo starting to pay off. The win against The Kingsmen last night opens the possibility for iloilo kisela knights to end the elimination round on the very top spot within the southern division, if not overall. While our playoffs spot is virtually secured, being on the top spot is strategically ideal going into the division final - and that’s the target we are aiming for. Looking forward for a deciding match at the playoffs." said Team Owner Leo Sotaridona.

The Leo Sotaridona-mentored chess club also completed its quest with a dominating performance against Lapu-Lapu, 18-3.-Marlon Bernardino-