MANILA – Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. and Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat trounced their respective foes as the Laguna Heroes thrashed the Caloocan Loadmanna Knights, 15.5-5.5, in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) third conference held via Chess.com platform on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.
The USA-based GM Barcenilla, a former two-time Asian Junior champion, whipped International Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia after 43 moves of King’s Indian defense on board two while Bayangat upset International Master Barlo Nadera after 75 moves of Queen’s Pawn Opening on board five.
“CM Arjie Bayangat was a great revelation in tonight. Blanking IM Barlo Nadera both in blitz and rapid was a difficult task. I really appreciate the team for the determination to hurdle our match against tough Caloocan Team,” Arena Grandmaster Dr. Fred Paez, president of the Philippine Executive Chess Association said.
Laguna’s strong start was a big boost as Michella Concio nipped Woman National Master Arvie Lozano after 55 moves of English Opening on board three.
Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad also defeated International Master Domingo Ramos after 45 moves of French defense on board four for a 10-4 victory in the rapid section.
Laguna’s board one player Grandmaster John Paul Gomez and board seven bet Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo settled for draws with Caloocan’s International Master Paulo Bersamina and Fide Master Nelson Villanueva, respectively.
Paul Sanchez provided the full point for Caloocan after beating Vince Angelo Medina after 71 moves of King’s Indian attack on board six.
Laguna also blasted Rizal Batch Towers, 14-7.
Up next for the Heroes who totes 15-4 win-loss record in the Northern Division are the Olongapo Rainbow Team 7 and Pengcheng Chess Club (China) on Wednesday (Nov. 10, 2021). (PR)
