MANILA, Philippines---Laguna Heroes extended its winning streak in the third conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) after edging the Cavite Spartans via a 11.5-9.5 victory on Saturday night, September 25, 2021 virtually held at Chess.com Platform.
Laguna prevailed over Cavite in the rapid game (8-6), with two-time Asian Junior champion Grandmaster Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla Jr., Grandmaster John Paul Gomez, Michella Concio and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo winning their matches to climb to a 6-1 win-loss slate in Northern Division.
Despite one pawn down, Barcenilla escaped in a drawish position against Filipino and United States chess master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. in 41 moves of King's Indian defense, Gomez toppled Jaypie Bolado in 42 moves of Slav defense, Concio beat Melizah Ruth Carreon via forfeiture after the latter's poor internet connection while Lorenzo dealt Richard Cornell Manzano in 46 moves of Sicilian defense, Dragon Variation.
Eliodoro "Louie" Polistico, Clark Dela Torre and Lourecel Hernandez Ecot spearheaded Spartans.
Polistico subdued Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad in 38 moves of English Opening, Dela Torre trounced Vince Angelo Medina in 50 moves of Vangeet Opening while Ecot dismantled Arjie Bayangat in 78 moves of Modern defense.
“ We're happy with the win. It was a tough match against Cavite," 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.
The Heroes were held to a 3.5-3.5 draw in the blitz category, with Barcenilla, Gomez and Lorenzo winning while Bayangat settled for a draw.
Backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic, KALARO and Rotary Club of Nuvali, the Laguna Heroes also beat Cagayan Kings, 15.5-5.5.
Up next for the Heroes are the Isabela Knight Raiders and the San Juan Predators on Wednesday.