THERE’S no sweep for PCAP-GM Wesley So Cup runner-up San Juan Predators.

The Laguna Heroes eked out a thrilling 12.5-8.5 win over San Juan in the ninth and final round in the 2021 PCAP San Miguel Corporation-Ayala Land chess championships last Wednesday.

FM Austin Jacob Literatus outduelled Narquingel Reyes, 2.5-.5, and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo toppled AGM Gavin Ong, 2.5-.5, to lead the Heroes of PECA president Dr. Fred Paez to a morale-boosting victory at the close of the elimination round in the Northern Division.

Laguna also scored heavily on the women’s board as WNM Jean Karen Enriquez and Michella Concio took all three points from San Juan substitute player Shariz Ngo in their blitz and rapid games.

Ngo took the place of WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, who was not available to play.

FM Narquingden Reyes and IM Ricardo de Guzman provided the bright moments for San Juan by beating GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. and FM Efren Bagamasbad, respectively.

Overall, San Juan and Laguna finished in a two-way tie for the top spot with identical 8-1 win-loss records.

The Predators, however, still took the top spot with higher total points.

Pasig Pirates, bannered by GMs Roland Salvador and Darwin Laylo, and Manila Indios Bravos, led by IM John Mrvin Miciano and IM Cris Ramayrat, posted back-to-back victories to move up to a share of third and fourth places with 7-2 slates.

Pasig swept Caloocan Load Manna Knights, 13.5-7.5, and Cagayan Kings, 15-6, while Manila downed Cavite Spartans,14-7, and Isabela Knight Raiders, 13-8.

Salvador defeated IM Paulo Bersamina and Laylo crushed Paul Sanchez to lead Pasig over Caloocan.

Miciano clobbered Marlon Bernardino and Ramayrat crushed Louie Polistico to power Manila over Cavite.

Over at the Southern Division, Iloilo Kisela Knights swept Iriga Oragons, 16-5, and Lapu-Lapu Naki Warriros, 15.5-5.5, to remain as the only unbeaten team with eight straight victories.

GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr., NM Cesar Mariano, NM John Michael Silvederio, Fritz Bryan Porras and Mark Jossel Mariano carried the fight for the Kisela Knights over the Naki Warriors.

Sharing the limelight were Palawan Queens Gambits, who shocked Toledo Trojans, 10.5-10.5 (2-1) and Camarines Soaring Eagles, 12-9.

Camarines also dealt Negros its first defeat with a 3-0 win in the Armageddon playoff after a 10.5-10.5 tie in the regulation.

Ellan Asuela, Robert Suelo and Virgen Gil Ruaya defeated NM Rolzon Roullo, FM Nelson Mariano III and FM Mari Joseph Turqueza, respectively, in the playoffs to improve their record to 5-3.

Negros, on the other hand, dropped to second place with 7-1.

The elimination round in the South continues on Oct. 2.

Games Oct. 2 

All South

First match
Camarines vs. Surigao, Cebu vs. Palawan, Cordova vs. Negros, Iloilo vs. Mindoro, Iriga vs. Lapu-Lapu

Second match
Mindoro vs. Iriga, Negros vs. Iloilo, Palawan vs. Cordova, Surigao vs. Cebu, Toledo vs. Camarines