DEFENDING champion Pasig Pirates finally made their presence felt in the 2024 PCAP All-Filipino Conference, pulling off back-to-back victories over San Juan Predators, 11-10, and Cavite Spartans, 14.5-6.5.

Eric Labog outwitted Narquingel Reyes, 2-0, in rapid match and Narciso Gumila, 1-0, in blitz in the lower board as Pasig defeated San Juan by the slimmest of margins in the battle between top Northern Conference teams in the tournament sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land and PCWorx.

Nelson Mariano also won over Reyes in their blitz match on board five.

GM Mark Paragua battled to a 1.5-1.5 draw with GM Rogelio Barcenilla,Jr. of San Juan in the featured match.

San Juan struck through Karl Victor Ochoa, who upset Idelfonso Datu, 2-1, on board two; WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, who swept Sherily Cua, 3-0, on the female board; and IM Ricardo de Guzman, who edged IM Cris Ramayrat, 2-1, on the senior board.

Later, Pasig humbled Cavite behind impressive 2-0 victories of Datu over Michael Concio, Paragua over Joel Banawa, and Cua over Kylen Joy Mordido on the first three boards.

GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. drew with Ramayrat, 1.5-1.5.

Equally impressive were Cagayan Kings, who edged Manila Load Manna Knights, 11-10, and Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, 15-6, with Tyrone de los Santos and GM-candidate Ronald Dableo leading the way.

De los Santos toppled IM Paulo Bersamina, while Dableo bested David Elorta, 2.5-.5 for Cagayan’s two victories.

Shania Mae Mendoza and IM Chito Garma saved the day for Manila with victories over April Joy Ramos, 2-1, and Jude Ulanday, 3-0.

Over in the South, Camarines lived up to its high billing following back-to-back victories over Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 13-8, and Arriba Iriga, 17.5-3.5.

GM Darwin Laylo, Ellan Asuela, WIM Bernadette Galas and IM Barlo Nadera provided the much-needed victories for Camarines.

Laylo drew with IM Rolando Nolte of Surigao, 1.5-1.5, and defeated Jayvee Relleve of Iriga, 3-0, while Asuela edged Joel Anthony Hicap of Surigao, 2-1, and downed Epifanio Bueno of Iriga, 3-0, to lead the charge of the Eagles.

The twin victories enabled Camarines to raise its record to 16-4, way ahead of Toledo City Trojans, Davao Eagles and Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates.

Toledo split its two assignments, winning over Mindoro Tamaraws, 18-3, but losing to Iloilo Kisela Knights, 10-11.

Davao won over Negros Kingsmen, 11-10, and Tacloban Vikings, 15-6.

The tournament is being organized by PCAP, headed by Commissioner-President Atty. Paul Elauria, and Chairman Michael Angelo Chua.

Standings

Northern Conference

San Juan 17-2; Cavite 17-3; Pasig 16-3; Manila 16-4; Cagayan 13-7; Isabela 8-12;
Quezon City 6-13; Rizal 5-15; Olongapo 1-19.

Southern Conference
Camarines 16-4; Toledo 13-6; Davao 12-8; Surigao 10-10; Iloilo 9-10; Tacloban 8-12; Negros 6-14; Iriga 3-16; Mindoro 1-19