CEBU, Philippines — The Cordova Dutchess Dagami Warriors swept past the Negros Kingsmen in their two-set semifinal duel to barge into the Southern Division championship of the GM Wesley So Cup, the reinforced conference of the inaugural Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) online tournament played last Saturday evening on lichess platform.
Powered by Israeli Grandmaster Nitzan Steinberg, National Masters Merben Roque and Mario Mangubat, and Woman International Master Bernadette Galas, the Dagami Warriors of PCAP vice chairman Ariel Potot first trounced the Kingsmen, 13.5-7.5, and then finished off their Negrense rivals via a close 12-9 decision.
Cordova thus advanced to the South finals against the Iloilo Kisela Knights, who ousted the GM Mark Paragua-led Camarines Soaring Eagles via Armageddon (2-1) in the first match and a 12.5-8.5 scoring edge in tnhe second game.
In the Northern Division, the All-Filipino Conference champion Laguna Heroes and the San Juan Predators will fight it out for the coveted title.
The Heroes sent out the equally-tough Manila Indios Bravos via a Armageddon, 2-1, after spitting their two games, while the Predators booted out the Antipolo Cobras without any trouble with the scores of 13-8, and 11.5-9.5. — EBV