Iloilo gets back on track, sweeps March 18 PCAP schedule

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Iloilo Kisela Knights are back on their winning ways after sweeping both of their matches in another Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) 1st conference Saturday schedule last March 18, 2023.

Iloilo got out of their hump in the past two weeks and garnered back-to-back victories against the Cagayan Kings and the Isabela Knights of Alexander.

The Kisela Knights were able to neutralize Cagayan, 15.5-5.5, and pull off a clutch rapid category win to escape Isabela, 13-8.

It was a close fight in the first seven playing boards against Cagayan when the Knights managed to equalize the affair at 3.5-all.

However, the Kisela Knights refused to dwell on their slow start and immediately put their imprints in the rapid category.

Iloilo’s waxing hot performance helped them put up 12 points with only one board loss courtesy of big-time performances from Horizon Villanueva, NM Fritz Bryan Porras, and NM Rolly Parondo Jr. in the last three boards.

Meanwhile, in their matchup against Isabela, the Kisela Knights hang on to a 4-3 lead after the blitz category before replicating its masterclass in the last seven playing boards.

Mark Jossel Mariano quickly gave Iloilo the edge after outdueling Servillano Obaña in the first playing board that kick-started their momentum heading into the next matches.

The duo of Porras and Parondo Jr. did wonders for the Kisela Knights for the second-straight time after helping Iloilo close the match in style.

With the sweeping win, the Kisela Knights improved to 11 wins and six losses with 177 points and are now sitting at the no. 4 spot in the Southern Division.