MANILA, Philippines – Arena International Master Francis Talaboc scored a crucial win over Remegio Galenzoga on Board 3 to give Quezon City Simba’s Tribe a 2-1 win in the Armageddon tiebreaker against Tacloban Vikings in the first conference of Professional Chess Association of the Philippines online chess tournament 3rd season, virtually held at Chess.com Platform on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Kristian Paulo Cristobal won his match against NM Melvin Merelos on Board 2, while Jimmy Ty Jr. edged NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. in Board 1.
During the blitz game, Quezon City began the evening with a 5.5-1.5 victory via full points from NM Marlon Bernardino (Board 1), Cristobal (Board 2), Arena Fide Master Michaela Concio (Board 3), Talaboc (6), Freddie Talaboc (Board 7) and a draw by Playing Team Owner Danilo Ponay (Board 4).
However, Tacloban defeated Quezon City in rapid play, 9-5, to force an Armageddon tiebreaker.
Quezon City won the Armageddon tiebreaker, 2-1.
Quezon City Simba’s Tribe followed up with a 12.5-8.5 triumph over Cebu Niños to climb to a 4-15 lead in the Northern division.
Ariel Potot had carried a good fight for Cebu after splitting the points with Bernardino, both in blitz and rapid in their top board encounter.
“Huge victories for the Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, especially our victory against the Tacloban Vikings,” said team manager Samivin delos Santos.
Meanwhile, GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. and IM Daniel Quizon powered the Laguna Dasmariñas to a 13-8 victory over Iloilo Kisela Knights in the other match-up on also on Wednesday.
IN Photo. Former two-time Asian Junior Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr leads Laguna Dasmariñas to victory over the Iloilo Kisela Knights in the 1st Conference of the PCAP 3rd Season. (Contributed Photo)
Barcenilla, many-time Battle of the GMs champion, defeated Mark Jossel Mariano in 57 moves of Petroff defense on Board 1 while Quizon, the reigning AQ Prime ASEAN champion, checkmated Lloyd Lanciola in 39 moves using the Neo Gruendfeld defense in Board 2.
“It was a topsy turvy game, but he blundered on his 42nd move with Qe8 and on the 46th move I already have twin passers on the center. It is from there that I knew the game is in the bag,” said Barcenilla, a former two-time Asian Junior Champion.
The win helped Laguna Dasmariñas improve their win-loss record to 18-1 in the Northern division. It is worth mentioning that they have the same output as San Juan Predators.
“Iloilo is a strong team. We were just lucky to beat them (tonight). Certainly, it was a close match indeed,” said Arena GM Dr. Fred Paez, one of the owners of the Laguna Dasmariñas team franchise.
Also delivering for the Laguna Dasmariñas backed up by Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr. are WFMr Shania Mae Mendoza, IM Angelo Young and AGM Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo.
Mendoza toppled Fiona Geeweneth Guirhem on Board 3, Young trounced NM Cesar Mariano on Board 4 and Lorenzo subdued NM Rolly Parondo Jr. on Board 7.
Horizon Villanueva and NM Fritz Bryan Porras carried the good fight for Iloilo woodpushers in the rapid encounter.
Villanueva nipped IM Michael Concio Jr. on Board 5 while Porras crushed FM Dino Ballecer on Board 6.
Laguna also Iloilo, 10-4, in their Rapid games earlier.
Laguna then spanked Davao Eagles via thrilling 11-10 victory. – Marlon Bernardino
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