SURIGAO lost its senior player Fr. Vic Arellano who now plays with his home team Cagayan de Oro, but gained a valuable replacement in veteran National Master Cyril Ortega for Mindanao’s campaign in the 2022 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines.
Assigned on board 4, NM Ortega played undefeated in Surigao’s Wednesday matches to match the immaculate performance of Antonio Chavez Jr on board 5 in both the blitz and rapid matches.
Both Ortega and Chavez’s perfect scores led the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates to a two-game roll opposite Mindoro, 13-8, and Manila, 11.5-9.5 that propelled them to a tie for third place with the Negros Kingsmen at 10-5 win-loss slate in PCAP’s Southern division.
The Iloilo Kisela Knights remain at the top with a 14-1 ledger, followed by the Davao Chess Wizards at 11-4.
“We understand Fr. Vic’s situation and his loyalty to Cagayan de Oro. Now, we have to move on and be grateful kay kombate sab iyang replacement in NM Ortega nga varsity teammate nako during college days in Cebu,” Surigao team owner Honorary National Master Rey Urbiztondo told Gold Star Daily.
Against the fancied Manila, Ortega whipped Doc Jenny Mayor, while Army man Chavez ― an alumnus of City High School in Cagayan de Oro ― upstaged International Master Chito Garma in a battle between two attacking geniuses.
The Checkmaters face the powerhouse Laguna Heroes tonight at 7 pm, and Isabela in the nightcap with John Ranel Morazo expecting to sub Air force guy Lennon Hart Salgados in his duel with Grandmaster Rogelio Barcenilla Jr of Laguna on board one due to work-related matter.
The newly-overhauled Cagayan de Oro Higalas, who shared the seventh-place with Camarines at 5-10, will take on North leader Pasig Pirates of GM Mark Paragua after edging the Rizal Towers, 11-10 and yielding to Quezon City Simba's Pride, 9.5-11.5 in their last two outings.
“Cagayan de Oro is still at par for the playoffs hope. We're still in (a) fighting mood,” said Jaime Joshua Frias II.
