CEBU, Philippines — The Toledo City Trojans and the revitalized Lapu-Lapu City Naki Warriors got off to flying starts in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Premier Cup on Wednesday night.
Toledo opened its campaign in the third and season-ending conference of the country’s first pro chess league on a bright note courtesy of a 12.5-8.5 conquest of the Cebu City Machers in all-Cebu showdown.
International Master Rico Mascarinas, Rommel Ganzon, Richard Natividad, and Glicerio Pardillo Jr. powered the Trojans to a 4-5-2.5 win over the Machers in the blitz segment.
They’re also responsible for the Trojans’ similarly close 8-6 triumph in the rapid event.
Led by playing co-team owner Atty. Jeah Jean Gacang, team manager Felix Poloyapoy Jr. and skipper Bonn Rainauld Tibod, the rest of the Trojans squad include Ronald Ganzon, Christopher Tubalado, Redentor Nailon, Rogelio Enriquez Jr., and Jinky Catulay.
On the other hand, the Naki Warriors powered by National Masters Elwin Retanal and Edsel Montoya and Woman IM Bernadette Galas outclassed the Mindoro Tamaraws, 13-8.
Drawing much needed help from Anthony Makinano, Brylle Arellano and Allan Pason, the Naki Warriors trounced the Tamaraws in blitz, 6-1, before settling for a 7-7 draw in rapid.
The other Cebu contender in Cordova Dutchess Dagami Warriors were not as lucky, falling prey to the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates via a 9-12 decision.