CAMARINES lived up to its high billing in the 2024 PCAP All-Filipino Conference, posting back-to-back victories over Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 13-8, and Arriba Iriga, 17.5-3.5, last Wednesday to assume the solo lead in the Southern Conference.

GM Darwin Laylo, Ellan Asuela, WIM Bernadette Galas and IM Barlo Nadera provided the much-needed victories for Camarines in the 18-team, two-division tournament sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land and PCWorx.

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.

Galas overpowered Mariel Romero of Surigao, 3-0, and Isabel Palibino of Iriga, 3-0, and Nadera clobbered Roger Pesimo of Iriga, 3-0, to complete Camarines’ day of triumph.

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.

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

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

Games are being played online every Wednesday and Saturday.

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