Iloilo Kisela Knights split PCAP match day

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Iloilo Kisela Knights split their Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) match schedule, 1-1, after falling at the hands of the San Juan Predators and won against Pampanga.

After their 10-game winning streak, the Iloilo-based chess team saw a laser-focused San Juan squad rust their untainted record in their first game of a double-header, 15-6.

It was an unusual start for the Kisela Knights after starting the first seven playing boards without a win and just two draws.

In the Rapid category, Iloilo tried to mount a comeback but their first three playing boards courtesy of GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., Karl Viktor Ochoa, and WFM Cherry Ann Mejia also figured in a draw with only one point scored by each board.

Eager to bounce back and avoid a two-game sweep, Iloilo had a statement game against Pampanga where they crushed them, 16.5-4.5.

The performance was the exact opposite compared to how the fared against San Juan as the Kisela Knights opened the Blitz category with a commanding 5.5-1.5 lead.

The onslaught didn’t stop there as the Kisela Knights picked up momentum and pulled away in the last seven playing boards with a score of 11-3.

Iloilo will have the chance for another sweep as they battle Davao and Bangkok at the start of the PCAP playoffs.