TWO-TIME champion San Juan Predators asserted their mastery over Southern Conference rivals Davao Eagles, 17.3-3.5, and Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 14-7, to wrest the overall lead in the 2024 PCAP All-Filipino Conference chess team championships last Wednesday.

GM Rogelio Barcenila, Karl Victor Ochoa, WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda and IM Ricardo de Guzman struck hardest for San Juan, which vaulted to 11-1 win-loss record in the 18-team, two-division tournament sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Lands and PCWorx.

Barcenilla outwitted Sander Severino of Davao , 2-1, and Rolando Nolte of Surigao, 2-1; Ochoa blanked Arnel Aton, 3-0; Fronda crushed Karen Enriquez, 3-0, and Lorebina Carrasco, 3-0; and De Guzman humbled Alex Lupian, 3-0, and Cyril Ortega, 3-0, for the Predators of PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Chua and coach Hubert Estrella.

The back-to-back victories by San Juan came a few days after its dominant 15.5-5.5 victory over Iloilo Kisela Kinights, and 20-1 triumph over the Mindoro Tamaraws last April 13.

Two other teams — Cavite Spartans and Pasig Pirates — also continued their strong showing to share second to third places with 10-2 slates.

Cavite defeated Surigao, 13.5-7.5, and Arriba Iriga, 20.5-.5, while Pasig overwhelmed Mindoro,19-2, and Davao, 14.5-6.5,

Leading the way for Cavite against Surigao are Kylen Mordido, GM Rogelio Antonio, Daniel Quizon and Alexis Maribao.

Kevin Arquero, Rommel Ganzon, Marie Antoinette San Diego and Antonio took charge in Cavite’s easy win over Iriga.

Idelfonso Datu, Sherly Cua, Cris Ramayrat, Jerome Villaneuva and Eric Labog fuelled Pasig’s romp over Davao.

Standings

Northern Conference

San Juan 11-1; Cavite 10-2, Pasig 10-2; Manila 9-3; Cagayan 6-6; Isabela 5-7; Rizal 4-8, Quezon City 4-8; Olongapo 0-12

Southern Conference

Toledo 10-2, Camarines 10-2, Iloilo 7-5,
Davao 7-5; Tacloban 6-6; Surigao 5-7; Negros 2-10; Iriga 1-11, Mindoro 1-11.