The Laguna Heroes scored back-to-back victories in the 2nd season of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All Filipino Conference online chess tournament that was virtually held at the Chess.com Platform on Saturday, Feb. 19.
The Heroes started things off with a 12-9 victory over the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates before following it up with a 13-8 triumph over Tacloban Vikings. This allowed Laguna to climb up to the 2nd spot in Northern Division with a 14-3 slate.
“We got hard-earned victories tonight against the vastly-improved Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates and Tacloban Vikings. It’s really not easy to win games this 2nd season. We really have to practice hard if we want to win,” Arena Grandmaster Dr. Fred Paez said.
Against Tacloban, Laguna barely escaped in the blitz game, 4-3, behind wins by Fide Master Austin Jacob Literatus (Board 2), Michella Concio (Board 3), Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad (Board 4), and Richie Jocson (Board 6).
Literatus defeated Bryle Arellano, Concio beat Athaliah Calades, Bagamasbad nipped Eladio Lim III and Jocson crushed Norman Jasper Montejo.
Laguna also showed its dominance over Tacloban in the rapid event, 11-3, with two-pointers each from Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. (Board 1), Concio, Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo (Board 5), Jocson, and Apollo Agapay (Board 7).
The many-time national champion and Olympiad veteran Barcenilla won over Jimmy Ty Jr. while Concio subdued Catherine Pojas. Lorenzo outclassed Andrew Casiano, Jocson trounced Montejo and Agapay smashed Remegio Galenzoga.
Literatus drew with Arellano while Tacloban Board 4 Player Dr. Leo Lofranco upset Bagamasbad.
On Feb. 23, Laguna will collide with the Toledo City Trojans and the Zamboanga Sultans. (PR) – bny
