NEGROS Kingsmen and Laguna Heroes asserted their mastery over their respective opponents to keep the lead in the 2023 PCAP All-Filipino Conference chess team champonships last Wednesday.

Negros subdued erstwhile co-leader Toledo Trojans, 14.5-6.5, and Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 12.5-8.5, yo wrest the solo lead in the Southern Division with seven straight victories.

Sharing the limelight was Laguna, which overwhelmed Manila Indios Bravos, 14-7, and Cagayan Kings, 12-9, to remain as the only unbeaten team in the Northern Division with seven wins in as many matches.

GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. outduelled IM Rico Mascarinas, 3-0, WIM Bernadete Galas humbled WIM Beverly Mendoza, 3-0, and NM Edsel Montoya crushed Rommel Ganzon, 3-0, to power the Kingsmen to an inspiring victory over the Trojans in the battle of unbeaten teams.

Bonn Rainauld Tibod and Richard Natividad carried the fight for Toledo by beating FM Mari Joseph Turqueza and Jerich Cajeras with similar 2-1 scores on boards two and six, respectively.

IM Joel Pimentel edged Lennon Hart Salgados, 2-1, Galas swept Gladys Romero, 3-0, and Ellan Asuela blanked Tyrone Alaan, 3-0, to lead the Kingsmen’s victory over the Fianchetto Checkmates.

The victories also cushioned the impact of the upset loss of Antonio to Cyril Ortega of Surigao, 1-2, on board four.

Toledo bounced back from the sorry loss to Negros with a 16-5 triumph over the Zamboanga Sultans later in the night.

IM Kim Steven Yap nipped IM Raymond Salcedo, 2-1, Tibod clobbered NM Carlo Magno Rosaupan, 3-0, and Mendoza crushed Sarah Mae Chua, 3-0, to lead the Trojans to a 6-1 record.

Iloilo Kisela Knights and Camarines-Iriga Eagles share third to fourth places with 5-2 slates, followed by Davao Eagles with 4-3.

Defending champion San Juan Predators blasted Cagayan Kings,14-7, and Isabela Knights of Alexander, 19-5.1-5, to remain the second place with a 6-1 record.

In solo third place with 5-2 slate are the Pasig Pirates, 17.5-3.5 victors over Isabela and 16-5 winners over Cavite Spartans.

PCAP, the country’s first professional chess league, is headed by PCAP 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, and supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), led by President-Chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay.

The tournament is sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land and PCWorx.

Games are being played every Wednesday and Saturday.