Laguna-Dasma scores another double cliff hanger win in PCAP game day

GRANDMASTER Rogelio Barcenilla and the Laguna-Dasmariñas squad shoot to the top of the team standings following another double victory in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) First Conference tournament on Wednesday. (Contributed Photo)

 

MANILA, Philippines – The Laguna-Dasmariñas barely survive a cliff-hanging encounter with Pasig King Pirates and San Juan Predators respectively, in another much-anticipated in the 2023 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) First Conference tournament held thru online Platform Chess.com on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

 

Laguna-Dasmariñas took down Pasig King Pirates, 11.5-9.5, and edged San Juan Predators, 11-10.

 

Laguna banked on their signature hot start in the first seven playing boards against Pasig and immediately clinched a 4.5-2.5 lead.

 

Four straight wins spearheaded by IM Daniel Quizon, WNM Jerlyn Mae San Diego, IM Michael Concio Jr., and FM Dino Ballecer and drawn by GM Rogelio Barcenilla Jr.

 

After a good start in the Blitz matches, the Laguna-Dasmariñas received a closer fight from the Pasig King Pirates that turned the Rapid games into a ‘nip-and-tuck’ affair.

 

However, a crucial back-to-back win streak in the fifth and sixth playing board in the rapid category sealed the deal for Laguna-Dasmariñas courtesy of Arena GM Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo and Ballecer. Lorenzo rout Kevin Arquero while Ballecer nipped IM Cris Ramayrat Jr.

 

Quizon, Barcenilla and IM Angelo Abundo Young split the points with IM Eric Labog Jr., GM Mark Paragua, and NM Rudy Ibanez in the first, second, and fourth playing boards, respectively.

 

Against San Juan, the Cavite Fourth District Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr.-backed Laguna-Dasmariñas won the Blitz 6-1. Laguna then took full control of the game after a winning streak sparked by Quizon, Barcenilla, WFM Shania Mae Mendoza, Concio, and Ballecer and draws by Young and Lorenzo.

 

Quizon bested NM Karl Victor Ochoa, Barcenilla outscored IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia, Mendoza trounced WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, Concio subdued Narquingel Reyes while Ballecer crushed FM Narquingden Reyes.

 

Young, on the other hand, drew with IM Ricardo de Guzman while Lorenzo halved the point with IM Paulo Bersamina.

In the Rapid, San Juan dealt Laguna-Dasmariñas, 9-5, but not enough to win the game.

 

“Both matches against Pasig and San Juan were (really) tough. Our winning margin in blitz became a big factor to have twin victories (tonight). I really appreciate the players for their character and determination to win”. said AGM Dr. Fred Paez, one of the owners of the Laguna Dasmariñas team franchise.

 

Other supporters of Laguna Dasmariñas include Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO and Greatech Philippines, Engr. Billy Joe Ereňo of Costbusters Philippine Corp., Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice Foods and Jolly Smile Dental Clinic.

 

The win helped Laguna Dasmariñas improve its win-loss mark to 22-1 to grab the solo leadership in the Northern division. – Marlon Bernardino