Twelve teams, led by Cagayan, won their opening round matches in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) First Conference on Saturday, January 16.
Cagayan edged favored Pasig, 11-10, after grandmaster Darwin Laylo inexplicably lost on time in a superior position against untitled Jake Tasi Tumaliuan.
Manila overcame gutsy Cavite, which forced a deciding Armageddon where the Philippines’ top player Julio Catalino Sadorra, John Marvin Miciano, and veteran blitz specialist Cris Ramayrat swept their foes.
Palawan Queen’s Gambit, an all-female squad, dropped its overall match against Iloilo, 15-6, but not before its top board Shania Mae Mendoza upset many-time national champion Joey Antonio in rapid chess and Catherine Secopito won after Karl Chua failed to get internet connection.
Mendoza, the Philippines’ second strongest female player, unleashed a speculative sacrifice of a rook for a knight which paid off when Antonio blundered on the 37th move. Mendoza got a strong attack and forced Antonio to resign in 46 moves.
In other results, Toledo downed Cebu, 13-8; Laguna drubbed Rizal, 17.5-3.5; Olongapo downed Isabela, 17.5-3.5; Olongapo nipped Isabela, 11.5-9.5; San Juan routed Antipolo, 18.5-1.5; Camarines beat Zamboanga, 12.5-8.5; Cordova beat Surigao, 13.5-7.5; Lapu-Lapu whipped Mindoro, 14.5-6.5; Negros clobbered Iriga, 18-3; and Caloocan crushed Quezon City, 17-4.
Two rounds will be played on Wednesday. – Rappler.com
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