By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Iloilo Kisela Knights are back on the biggest stage and dealt the Mindoro Tamaraws a demolition exhibition, 19-2, during the opening game day of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) 1st conference last February 18, 2023.
Fresh off a semifinal stint in the 3rd conference of 2022, the Kisela Knights’ revamped roster showed promise despite the departure of some of their superstars like GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., Karl Ochoa, WFM Cherry Ann Mejia, and NM Giovanni Mejia.
Newest member Jovelyn Sepanton impressed in her debut match for the Kisela Knights after sweeping both of her matches in the blitz and the rapid categories.
Sepanton, the pride of Lemery, Iloilo, defeated AGM Nezil Arj Merilles in the blitz and repeated her win in the rapid category.
It was a classic Kisela Knights start after quickly jumping ahead 5-2, in the first seven playing boards courtesy of huge wins from Fiona Guirhem, NM Cesar Mariano, NM Fritz Bryan Porras, NM Rolly Parondo Jr., and Sepanton.
Total domination was then shown by the Ilonggos after sweeping the last seven playing boards in the rapid category.
Mark Mariano began the Kisela Knights’ stellar offensive stretch ended with a Parondo Jr. victory against AIM Richard Allen Sicangco.
The Kisela Knights had a promising start in the tournament after only dropping two total boards all in the blitz category and are seeking to win back-to-back games in their next scheduled match.
