THE Cagayan de Oro Higalas debuted with a bang in the 2022 season opener of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP).
They’re quite impressive alongside fellow debutant Davao Eagles and the returning Zamboanga Sultans, all posting 3-1 win-loss slates in four outings. The other Mindanao-based squad Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates also managed to join the winner's circle at 2-2.
After a disastrous start, owing largely to computer glitch opposite Zamboanga (7-14), the RCM-CMOCA Higalas sponsored by Richess Masters of Eagle Ariel Potot, racked up three-straight wins against the powerhouse Toledo (11.5-9.5), Surigao (11.5-9.5) and Palawan (11-3).
The Higalas’ conquest of the tough Toledo and Surigao teams was highlighted by scoring machine Jaime Joshua Frias II’s upset victories over National Master Rogelio Enriquez and former FEU stalwart Antonio Chavez Jr, who just placed fourth in the 1st Mactan Open: Barkadahan Para sa Bansa Chess Championship.
“In reality, kusog gyod kaayo ang Cagayan de Oro kon nakasugod lang ‘ta sa PCAP kay dili mabulag-bulag atong homeground talents. But we'll fight it all and make do sa nabilin nga available players nato dire,” Frias said.
Already, the Fide Master Anthony Makinano-led Higalas had invested a 6-1 rout of Tacloban in blitz showdown one hassle-filled night, over the weekend, with the aborted rapid contest being scheduled in some other time.
The fired-up CMOCA Higalas will face Iriga and Negros tonight in another double-header starting at 7 pm.
Completing Cagayan de Oro’s official roster are NMs Levi Mercado, Johnnel Balquin and Ronald Canino and WNM Mary Joy Tan, Aizel Jane Gicole, Mario Arroyo, Domingo Oga, Sammy Sabenecio, Nazario Ubanan and Romeo Canino.
With them on the technical staff are Rev. Fr. Vic E. Arellano, Cleto Vasquez, Rene Goopio, Randulph Dalauta, and team owner Ariel Potot.
