Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Bacenilla Jr. proved unstoppable at the top board, leading the Laguna Heroes to a 15-6 victory over Rizal Batch Towers in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines online chess tournament that was virtually held over Chess.com Platform on Saturday night, Jan. 29.
Barcenilla, a two-time (1989 and 1990) Asian Juniors champion in India and Dubai, defeated Salcedo after 59 moves using an English Opening in their rapid play encounter. Barcenilla also split the point with Salcedo after 45 moves of the Reti Opening in the blitz portion.
“GM Banjo’s play was always razor-sharp, rational and brilliant,” Arena Grandmaster Dr. Fred Paez, co-team owner of the Laguna Heroes, said.
“We are happy with our twin wins tonight. Though we had big winning margins against Cagayan and Rizal, they were hard-fought. All games were exciting until the endgames.” he added.
The Heroes, earlier beat Cagayan Kings, 15.5-5.5. The Heroes now has a 4-0 win-loss record in the Northern Division standings, the same output of Pasig City King Pirates and San Juan Predators.
Also delivering for the Laguna were Fide Master Austin Jacob Literatus, Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo.
Literatus dismantled National Master Noel dela Cruz after 78 moves of Sicilian defense, Bagamasbad trounced National Master Elias Lao Jr. after 48 moves of Caro-Kann defense and Lorenzo subdued Anore Geron after 84 moves of Pirc defense.
Michella Concio drew with Kelly Ann David after 21 moves King’s Indian Attack while Richie Jocson settled for a truce with Jaymarc Gutierrez after 32 moves of Queen’s Gambit Declined, Albin Counter Gambit variation.
Marlon Constatino dealt Apollo Agapay after 52 moves of Caro-Kann defense to provided only wins of Rizal in the rapid game.
The Laguna Heroes bested Rizal in blitz portion, 5-2, as well as in the rapid format, 10-4.
Meanwhile, 13-time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. spearheaded Iloilo Kisela Knights to a 16.5-4.5 victory over Camarines Soaring Eagle as well 17.5-3.5 triumph against Toledo City Trojans to grabs the solo lead in the Southern Division standings with a 4-0 clean slate. (PR) – bny
