Iloilo completes comeback mission after 2-0 sweep in PCAP match day

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Iloilo Kisela Knights’ adjustments paid off and proved to be efficient after sweeping its match schedule in the ongoing 2023 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) 1st conference last March 1, 2023.

Bouncing back from a rare 0-2 outing during their last PCAP match day, the Kisela Knights fulfilled its promise of re-entering the winning column after taking down Team Arriba Iriga-Camarines, 13-8, and the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 11-10.

The Kisela Knights’ signature fiery start in the first seven playing boards spearheaded its momentum-clinching win after taking an early 4-3 lead in the blitz category.

Mark Jossel Mariano kicked off Iloilo’s redemption mission followed up by back-to-back board wins from NM Fritz Bryan Porras and NM Rolly Parondo Jr.

Iloilo continued its offensive masterpiece in the rapid category as Horizon Villanueva immediately gave the Kisela Knights a 2-0 lead.

Despite a comeback attempt from the opposing squad when they took the second and the fourth playing board, Iloilo got the match in the bag when they swept the last two matches courtesy of NM Rolly Parondo Jr. and Lloyd Lanciola.

Meanwhile, against Surigao, it was a tougher challenge for the Kisela Knights after going down early in the blitz category, 2-5.

Not willing to taste another defeat, the trio of NM Porras, NM Parondo Jr., and Lanciola took over in the rapid category and helped Iloilo close out the match with a 9-5 lead.

After losing the first two out of the three playing boards in the rapid, the superstar trio made sure Iloilo will end in style and swept the last three to secure the victory.