MANILA, Philippines –The Laguna-Dasmariñas crushed the Cagayan Kings, 14-7, and the Isabela Knights of Alexander, 12-9, to remain on top in the team standings in the ongoing 2023 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) chess tournament virtually held at Chess.com Platform on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
The Laguna-Dasmariñas extended their winning streak to 17 games.
Against Cagayan, the ever-reliable veteran GM Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. put on a show once again as he dictated the tempo of Laguna’s campaign in the Blitz Category, playing in Board 1.
Everything then just fell in place as the Laguna-Dasmariñas started with a 4-3 edge in the Blitz, and managed to dominate the in the Rapid, 10-4, to close the show in an emphatic fashion.
Barcenilla defeated Jake Tumalian, both the Blitz and Rapid, and so did as NM Nicomedes Alisangco against Alexander Jude Malabad in Board 5.
It was the same story against Isabela as the Laguna-Dasmariñas blitzed their way in both the Blitz, 4-3, and 8-6, for a 12-9 outcome.
Barcenilla dismantled Nicanor Marinduque, FM Roel Abelgas toppled Alvin Aguinaldo in Board 2 and WNM Jerlyn Mae San Diego defeated Sheryll Bordon in Board 3, both the Blitz and Rapid categories.
“The matches were close and exciting. We are happy to have secured the twin victories tonight against Cagayan and Isabela.” said AGM Dr. Fred Paez, one of the owners of the Laguna-Dasmariñas team franchise.
San Juan is in second place with a 25-2 record followed by Pasig with a 21-6 card. Fourth and fifth is Mandaluyong with a similar 15-12 win-loss card. At solo sixth place is Cavite with a 14-13 slate.
The top six teams in the Southern division are Negros Island Region (24-3), Davao (20-7), Toledo (18-9), Iloilo (14-13), Camarines-Iriga (13-14) and Surigao (13-14).
Laguna-Dasmariñas suffered their only loss at the hands of Negros Island Region, 12.5-8.5, last March 8. It’s the last game for the group elimination, though will be against the Cavite Spartans on Saturday. – Marlon Bernardino
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