CAVITE Spartans humbled Rizal Towers, 18-5-2.5, while Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates demolished Arriba Iriga, 20-1, in a pair of dominant showing at the start of the 2024 PCAP All-Filipino Conference chess team championships over the weekend.

GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. crushed Francisco Macawile, Noel de la Cruz clobbered Stephen Manzanero, Roel Abelgas dumped Genore Arone and Raymond Salcedo overwhelmed Joshua Yson — all by 3-0 scores — as the Spartans served notice of their title aspirations in the 18-team, two-division tournament supported by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land and PCWorx.

Catherine Perena-Secopito, Gary Legaspi and Jose Aquino provided the points for Rizal.

Over at the Southern Conference, Surigao made its presence felt with a near sweep of Iriga.

IM Rolando Nolte, Joel Hicap, Lorebina Carasco, Cyril Ortega, Rogelio Enriquez and Lennon Hart Salgados swept their respective opponents in both rapid and blitz competitions.

Glennen Artuz averted a shutout for Iriga when he drew with Rhenz Auza on board seven.

In other results, San Juan Predators outclassed Olongapo Rainbow, 15-6; Manila Load Manna Knights outplayed Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, 14.5-7.5 and Isabela Knights bested Cagayan Kings, 12-9, in the Northern Conference; and Negros Kingsmen humbled Mindoro Tamaraws, 15.5-5.5, Iloilo Kisela Knights downed Tacloban Vikings, 14-7, and Camarines Eagles edged Davao Eagles, 11-10, in the Southern Conference.

Gavin Ong outduelled Art Fortin and Kenneth Santos on board two, Narquingel Reyes downed Gefer Imbuido, Narquinden Reyes waylaid Gil Conrad Corre and Narciso Gumila overpowered Glen Garcia as SanJuan took the measure of Olongapo.

Olongapo struck back behind Joshua Bautista, who upset Karl Victor Ochoa, 2-1; Manilyn Cabungcag, who toppled WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, 2-1, and Homer Cunanan, who stunned IM Ricky de Guzman, 2-1

IMs Paulo Bersamina, Chito Garma and Jan Emmanuel Garcia provided the victories for Manila over Quezon City.

Bersamina whitewashed Savinin delos Santos, Garma pulverized Danilo Ponay and Garcia clipped Noel Jay Estacio for the Load Manna Knights’ victories.

Michella Concio was Quezon City’s lone bright spot as she outclassed Arvie Lozano, 3-0, in the female board.

Isabela leaned on Joel Banawa, Diana Banawa, Gerardo Cabellon and Alvin Aguinaldo to roll back Cagayan.

PCAP, the country’s first and only professional chess league, is headed by President-Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria, and Chairman Michael Angelo Chua.

The tournament is sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Atty. Richard Clarin.