QUEZON City Simba’s Tribe provided the biggest reversal at the close of the first round of the eliminations in the PCAP Open Conference, posting a thrilling 11-10 victory over last year’s All-Filipino champion Laguna Heroes last Wednesday.

Little-known Elizsa Gayle Cafirma pulled the rug from under Jean Karen Enriquez in the female board to lead Quezon City to its fourth win in 10 matches in the Northern Division.

Kristian Paulo Cristobal swept Christian Nañola on board five, and NM Robert Arellano blanked Vince Angelo Medina on board seven to complete Quezon City’s surprise victory over Laguna.

The upset victories spoiled the efforts of Laguna’s 1-2 punch — GMs Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. and John Paul Gomez –who struck on the first two boards.

The United States-based Barcenilla overpowered Michaela Concio, 3-0, on board one, while Gomez clobbered Samivin de los Santos, 3-0, on board two.

IM Angelo Young also won over Danilo Ponay in both blitz and rapid matches to secure all three points on the senior board.
Laguna, however, bounced back with a 12-7 decision over hard-fighting Rizal Towers the following round.

Barcenilla downed NM Noel dela Cruz, 3-0, Gomez bested IM Richelieu Salcedo, Michella Concio edged Kelly Ann David-Salcedo, 2-1, and Vince Angelo Medina dumped Genore Anore, 3-0, for Laguna’s victory.

Young defeated NM Elias Lao in blitz.

Philip Simon Din and Marlon Constantino carried the fight for Rizal by winning over Christian Nañola and Richie Jocson, respectively.

In other featured matches, Pasig Pirates outclassed Mindoro Tamaraws, 17.5-3.5, and Olongapo Rainbow, 19-2; San Juan Predators downed Rizal Towers, 13.5-7.5, and Mindoro Tamaraws, 21-0; and Manila Indios Bravos nipped Isabela Knights of Alexander, 11.5-9.5, and Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, 13.5-7.5, in the Northern Division.

Davao Eagles and Iloilo Kisela Knights also kept the lead in the Southern Division. with identical 9-1 win-loss records.

Davao bested Palawan Queen’s Gambits, 16.5-4.5, and Cagayan de Oro, 16.5-4.5; while Iloilo trampled Cebu Machers, 17-4, and Pagadian, 15-6.

Negros whipped Cagayan de Oro, 19-2, and Cebu, 15.5-5.5.

PCAP, Asia’s first play-for-pay league, is headed by Atty. Paul Elauria as President-Commissioner, and Michael Angelo Chua as Chairman.