TWO-TIME champion San Juan Predators, Cavite Spartans and defending champion Pasig Pirates kept their 1-2-3 positions with impressive victories over their opponents in the 2024 PCAP All-Filipino Conference chess team championships last Saturday.

San Juan, bannered by GM Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. and Karl Victor Ochoa, overwhelmed Arriba Iriga, 19.5-1.5, and Camarines Eagles, 12-9, to tighten its grip on the lead with its 13th win in 14 matches in this 18-team, two-division tournament sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land and PCWorx.

Barcenilla and Ochoa shone brightest in San Juan’s lopsided victory over Iriga as they swept Epifanio Bueno and Rey Mark Sagario, 3-0, in the first two boards.

Mikee Suede, IM Ricardo de Guzman, Narquinden Reyes and Narciso Gumila also hurdled their respective rivals to complete another big day for San Juan.

Later, Ochoa whipped Giovanni Mejia and Ellan Asuela, 3-0, and Suede downed Virgenie Ruaya, 3-0, to lead San Juan over Camarines.

Barcenilla battled fellow GM Darwin Laylo of Camarines to a 1.5-15 draw on board one, and De Guzman edged IM Barlo Nadera, 2-1, on board four.

Ronald Llavanes was the lone bright spot for Camarines as he convincingly won over Gumila on board seven.

Cavite subdued Camarines, 14-7, and Negros Kingsmen, 17-4, while Pasig blasted Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, 18.5-2.5, and Arriba Iriga, 21-0, to remain within striking distance with identical 12-2 win-loss records.

Alexis Maribao, Ruth Carreon and GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. led the Spartans’ victory over the Eagles.

Kevin Arquero, Edgardo Garma and Antonio were the top scorers for the Spartans against the Kingsmen.

Pasig, on the other hand, relied on Nelson Mariano, who edged Joel Hicap; Sherily Cua, who defeated Mariel Romero; Cris Ramayrat, who outclassed Cyril Ortega; and Nelson Villanueva, who blanked Rogelio Enriquez, to roll back Surigao.

Omar Bagalasca, Idelfonso Datu. Cua and Ramayrat led Pasig over Iriga.

Manila Load Manna Knights bested Tacloban Vikings, 16.5-4.5, and Southern Conference frontrunner Toledo Trojans, 13-8, to keep solo fourth place with 11-3 record.

Earlier, Toledo humbled Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, 14-7, to maintain a slim lead over Camarines.

Kim Steven Yap outsteadied Norman Madariaga, 2-1; Merben Roque dumped Francis Talaboc and Paulo Cristobal, 3-0; IM Angelo Young trounceed Danilo Ponay, 3-0l and Allan Pason outclassed Talaboc and Madariaga, 3-0, to power the Trojans of Atty. Jeah Gacang.

PCAP, the country’s first and only professional chess league, is headed by President-Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria, and Chairman Michael AngeloChua.

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

Games are being played every Wednesday and Saturday.

Standings

Northern Conference

San Juan 14-1; Cavite 12-2, Pasig 12-2; Manila 11-3; Cagayan 8-6; Isabela 5-9; Rizal 5-9, Quezon City 5-9; Olongapo 0-14.

Southern Conference

Toledo 11-3, Camarines 10-4, Davao 9-5
Iloilo 7-7, Tacloban 7-7; Surigao 6-8; Negros 3-11; Mindoro 1-13, Iriga 1-13.