Dagami Warriors gun for South crown

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cordova Dutchess Dagami Warriors brace for what is by far their biggest challenge as they clash head-on with the Iloilo Kisela Knights in a two-set duel for the Southen Division title of the import-paced Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) GM Wesley So Cup online tournament tonight on lichess platform.

Bannered 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 breezed through the division finals after eliminating the Negros Kingsmen.

Completing Cordova’s roster in the reinforced conference of the country’s first ever pro chess league are Michael Joseph Pagaran, Allan Pason, Francis Rivera, Dione Patrick Minoza, and Brylle Arellano.

They will go up against a formidable Iloilo side led by GMs Hovhannes Gabuzyan of Armenia and Joey Antonio.

Also in the stacked Iloilo lineup are National Masters Fritz Bryan Porras, John Michael Silvederio, Cesar Mariano, and Giovanni Mejia and Candidate FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia.

The winner of the Cordova-Iloilo showdown will face the victor of the North finals between the Laguna Heroes and the San Juan Predators in the national championship slated on August 4. — EBV