Top players make moves as PCAP opens fourth season
THE much-awaited fourth season of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) finally comes off the wraps Saturday, March 23 with a total of eight matches — four in the Northern Division and four in the Southern Division.
Two-time champion San Juan Predators open their campaign against Olongapo, while former winner Iloilo Kisela Knights take on Tacloban Vikings in featured matches in this two-division, 18-team competition organized by PCAP in cooperation with San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land and PCWorx.
Other opening-day matches will pit Cavite Patriots against Rizal Towerrs, Isabela Knight Raiders against Cagayan Kings and Manila Load Manna Knights against Quezon City Simba’s Tribe in the North; and Mindoro Tamaraws against Negros Kingsmen, Davao Eagles against Camarines Eagles, and Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates against Iriga Oragons in the South.
Five-peat seeking Pasig Pirates and last conference’s Southern Division champion Toledo Trojans take opening-day bye.
Last December, Pasig swept Toledo, 13-8, and 12.5-8.5, to capture an unprecedented fourth straight championship.
PCAP president Atty. Paul Elauria said the awarding ceremony of the 2023 Super GM Wesley So Cup will also be held starting at 5 p.m. Saturday.
“This is another memorable day for chess and PCAP in particular. We will honor all the best performers of the SGM Wesley So Cup, before we formally open our fourth eason,” said Atty. Elauria, who also serves as the PCAP commissioner.
To be awarded are the top finsihers of the tournament, as well as the top individual performers, including the Best Player of the Conference, Most Valuable Player, Mythical Seven, Top Female, Top Senior and Top Homegrown players.
PCAP Chairman Michael Angelo Chua of the San Juan Predators will make the welcome remarks during the program to be livestreamed at the PCAP Facebook page.
The formal start of the games will follow after the awarding ceremony.
Matches today:
North– San Juan vs. Olongapo, Cavite vs. Rizal, Isabela vs. Cagayan, Manila vs. Quezon City. Pasig bye.
South — Iloilo vs. Tacloban, Mindoro vs. Negros, Davao vs. Camarines, Surigao vs. Iriga. Toledo bye.
