Iloilo Kisela Knights bounce back huge in PCAP day 4

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Iloilo Kisela Knights are back in the winning column of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) season II “Wesley So Cup Conference” after sweeping both of their matches on Day 4.

After falling at the hands of Cordova and Zamboanga, the Kisela Knights regained top form and got the best of the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 18.5-2.5, and their rival Negros Kingsmen, 14-7.

It was a familiar performance for the Kisela Knights after winning 12 out of the 14 total boards against the Fianchetto Checkmates.

In the absence of Armenian GM import Hovhannes Gabuzyan, the Kisela Knights had their reinforcement from GM Kamil Dragun of Poland who had a strong start against Surigao winning both in the Rapid and Blitz category.

Meanwhile, the rivalry rematch between Iloilo and Negros was one of the most highly-anticipated matches in Day 4 where the Kisela Knights managed to get the better of Negros.

GM Dragun was again spectacular after blitzing to a sweeping 2-0 win in both categories followed up by strong performances from Fritz Bryan Porras and Cesar Mariano.

With the back-to-back victories, Iloilo is now seated at the no. three spot of the Southern Division but leads in total points with 103.5.