Surigao Fianchetto stretches streak into 3 in 2023 PCAP tourney

MANILA, Philippines – The Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates racked another huge victory to extend its winning streak to three in the ongoing 2023 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) last Saturday, March 18.

After pulling a masterful victory over Magic Mandaluyong Tigers (12-9) and Quezon City Simba’s Tribe (12.5-8.5), the Fianchetto Checkmates picked up where they left as they shut down Rizal Batch Towers, 12.5-8.5.

The Fianchetto Checkmates kicked off their match into draws with Rizal Batch Towers, 3.5-3.5, in the blitz round.

Cyril Ortega, FIDE Master Vince Alaan, Joselito Serna and Fame Fazon powered Surigao towards a 9-5 victory in their Rapid games encounter.

Ortega defeated National Master Elias Lao Jr. on Board Four, Alaan bested Walt Talan on Board 5, Serna toppled John Paul Aquino on Board 6 and Fazon edged Marlon Constantino on Board 7.

While Mariel Batulan-Romero settled to a draw with Kelly Ann David-Salcedo on Board 3 to get a half point score.

International Master Richellieu Salcedo III and NM Noel Dela Cruz carried the good fight for the Batch Towers after beating Lennon Heart Salgados and Carl Sato on Board 1 and Board 2, respectively.

The win helped Surigao improve their win-loss record to 6-11 built from 159.5 points in the Southern division.

“Rizal Batch Towers is a very strong team. We are just lucky for beating them tonight. It was indeed a tight match,” said Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates Team Owner and Arena Grandmaster Rey Crisologo Urbiztondo.

“We fervently hope to continue our winning streak” added Urbiztondo, one of the board directors of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, who also owns Surigao Diamond Knights, which is now on the quarterfinals of the Philippine Chess League.

Other supporters of Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates include Gov. Lyndon Barbers, Cong. Ace Barbers, Surigao City Mayor Paul Dumlao, and team manager Eng’r. Dohjie Morales. – Marlon Bernardino