ILOILO Kisela Knights continued their impressive showing, even as Davao Eagles bounced back from a pair of upset losses to boost their chances in the 2022 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Filipino Conference.

Iloilo blasted Cavite Spartans,19.5-1.5, and Cagayan Kings, 12.5-8.5, to tighten its hold on the top spot with a 14-1 win-loss record in the Southern Division.

GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. stood at the helm of Iloilo’s victory as he swept AFM Eduardo Tunguia of Cavite, 3-0, and Ricardo Martin of Cagayan, 3-0.

Backing up Antonio were Karl Victor Ochoa, who outclassed Richard Manzano of Cavite, 3-0; Fiona Geeweneth Guirhem, who humbled AFM Melizah Ruth Carreon, 2.5-.5; NM Cesar Mariano, who blanked CM Jayson San Jose, 3-0; and NM Rolly Parondo, who whitewashed Dwight Khan. 3-0.

WFM Cherry Ann Mejia edged April Joy Ramos, 2-1, and Parondo downed Marc Francis Balanay, 3-0, in Iloilo’s victory over Cagayan.

Don Tyrone de los Santos and Robert Mania carried the fight for Cagayan with victories over NM John Michael Silvederio and NM Cesar Mariano, respectively.

Davao, bannered by former national junior champion NM Jonathan Tan and reigning IPCA world champion FM Sander Severino, toppled Caloocan Load Manna Knights, 12-9, and Cagayan Kings , 13-8, to keep solo second place with 11-4 record.

Tan won over Paul Sanchez of Caloocan, 3-0, and Robert Mania of Cagayan, 1-0, while Severino split the point with IM Paulo Bersamina of Caloocan, 1.5-1.5.

Also scoring for Davao wer NM Alex Lupian, who edged Domingo Ramos, 2-1; NM Aglipay Oberio,who upset IM Barlo Nadera, 2-1; and NM Henry Lopez, who drew with Alexis Maribao, 1.5-1.5.

The twin victories of the Eagles made up for their heartbreaking 10.5-10.5 and 1-2 loss to Isabela Knight Raiders, and 9-12 setback to Cavite last Feb. 12.

Negros Kingsmen and Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates share third to fourth places with identical 10-5 slates.

Negros won over Isabela, 14.5-6.5, but lost to defending champion Laguna Heroes, 9-12; while Surigao won over Mindoro Tamaraws, 13-8, and Manila Indios Bravos, 11.5-9.5.

PCAP, the country’s first and only play-for-pay chess league, is headed by Atty. Paul Elauria as President- Commissioner; Michael Angelo Chua as Chairman; Dr. Ariel Potot as Vice Chairman and Atty. Arnel Batungbakal as Treasurer.

The tournament is sponsored by San Miguel Corporation and Ayala Land, and sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra.