Battle of the undefeated: Iloilo Kisela Knights seek to gain top spot against Negros

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

A highly-anticipated inter-Western Visayas clash will be witnessed by thousands of chess fans in the Philippines.

Dubbed as the “Battle of the Undefeated,” the Iloilo Kisela Knights will look to put their winning streak at stake against the Negros Kingsmen who are also yet to drop a single series in the tournament.

Carrying a perfect record after dismantling Palawan, Toledo City, Cebu City, Zamboanga, and Lapu-Lapu, the Iloilo-based chess squad will be facing their toughest challenge so far with Negros currently holding a 5-0 record in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) tournament.

In the tourney’s southern division category, only Iloilo, Negros, and Camarines have stayed undefeated while in the northern division, the Caloocan Manna Knights.

Trainer and assistant Mr. Hyubs Canto is currently mapping out the perfect game plan for the Kisela Knights with owner Leonardo Sotaridona and manager Gil Libutaque overseeing their day-to-day training.

GM Joey Antonio Jr., WFM Cherry Anne Mejia, NM John Michael Silvederio, Fritz Bryan Porras, Dennis Bernas, Karl Victor Ochoa, and Mark Jossel Mariano will carry the banner of Iloilo and will look to dominate both the Rapid and Blitz category to keep their record unblemished.