By Lynde Salgados
Correspondent
AFTER a crucial 12.5-8.5 victory over the tough Toledo Trojans, the Mindanao chessers are now aiming for a top-three finish in the Southern division of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) 2nd Conference skirmishes.
Bringing the name of the Congressman Robert Barbers-backed Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates, Mindanao’s lone official entry in the country’s first-ever professional chess league battles the dangerous Camarines and the winless Cebu (0-8) in the outset of the elimination round online matches starting at 7:30 pm tonight via lichess.org.
“After our crucial win opposite Toledo last Wednesday, we’re virtually qualified to advance in the next stage of the Open Conference tourney alongside four foreign teams from China, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. But overcoming Camarines and Cebu in a row tonight will possibly earn us the top-three seed going to the next level,” said Surigao team owner Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo.
Both Camarines and Surigao shared fourth to fifth places with a 5-3 win-loss slate behind solo pacesetter Iloilo (8-0), second-placer Negros (7-1), and third-running Lapu Lapu (6-3).
Lady reinforcement Aubrey Gallardo churned out a perfect three of three performance to blaze the trail for Surigao’s conquest of Toledo amplified by the impressive showing of National Master Joey Florendo, Fide Master Vince Alaan, and Fr. Vic Arellano as they all yielded just a draw in winning their respective matches.
Fr. Arellano of Cagayan de Oro managed to defeat former Philippine Team member International Master Rico Mascariñas in the blitz tussle then held the latter to a draw in the rapid contest.
“Good chess play happens when you are not focused on the ELO rating of the opponent. Even if he's an International Master, a positive mindset can help a player to perform the best. This is what happened during our game with International Master Rico Mascarinas,” said the chess-playing priest Arellano.
In Surigao’s first-round assignment tonight, Camarines boasts the likes of Grandmaster Mark Paragua, FM Robert Suelo and NMs Ronald Llavanes, and Carlo Lorena as well as blitz specialist Ellan Asuela in its equally strong roster.
San Juan and Laguna shared the lead in PCAP’s Northern division at 8-1 win-loss ledger.
