PCAP debutant Davao Eagles and the returning Zamboanga Sultans continued their winning ways to remain as the best performing teams from Mindanao in the professional chess league’s All-Filipino Conference 2022.
Coming from a long streak that got stalled by the league-leading Pasig Pirates, 14.5-6.5 on Feb 23, the Davao Eagles came soaring back by pummeling Olongapo, 18-3, and Mindoro, 13.5-7.5 on Feb 26.
The Zamboanga Sultans were also relentless in following up their 16-5 and 12-9 conquest of the behemoth rivals Manila and Laguna from the north, last week, by blasting Isabela, 15-6 and Cavite, 12-9 on Saturday.
“Patuloy sa paglipad haring agila,” enthused lawyer Jong Guevarra Jr, co-team owner of Davao team that now occupies solo second place at 16-5 win-loss ledger behind pacesetting Iloilo Kisela Knights (19-2) in the Southern division.
The Zamboanga Sultans share the third spot with the Negros Kingsmen at 14-7, just above the other two Mindanao teams Surigao,13-8, and Cagayan de Oro 9-12 in the team standings.
“We are starting to make some noise in the Professional Association of the Philippines (PCAP) league. The Zamboanga Sultans stunned the defending champion Laguna Heroes in the All Filipino Conference league. Before them, we also beat the powerhouse Manila Indios Bravos,” said Arena Grandmaster Rey Reyes.
“We are hoping to peak at the right time. And the 4-game winning streak could already be an indicator,” Reyes added.
Playing for the Davao Eagles are two Fide Masters Sander Severino and Roel Abelgas, four National Masters Alexander Lupian Aglipay 8 Oberio, Jonathan Tan and Henry Roger Lopez, and reliable woman mainstay in Arena Grandmaster Rowekyn Joy Acedo.
Comprising the Zambo Sultans’ competitive roster are NMs Dale Bernardo, Paulo James Florendo, Butch Villavieja, Joey Albert Florendo and Raymond Salcedo, AGM Rey Reyes, and their lady pick Sarah Mae Chua.
