JUST a playoff qualifier in PCAP’s last conference, the Surigao chessers may yet succeed in nailing the crowning glory of a prestigious national chess team competition they long aspired.
This, after the Surigao Diamond Knights, whipped Chessmis TV, 107-73 in the semifinals to face the Edmonton Oilers in the final for the Philippine Chess League title tomorrow via lichess.com online format.
The Oilers Uniteam made it to the championship round after routing the Costbusters Phils Corp Chess Team, 128-79 in the other half of the semis matches in this PCL Season 3 dubbed as the Mayor Sara Duterte online chess tournament.
“It all started after naka tsamba ‘mi against our highly respected buddy team in Mindanao, the Durianburg of Davao in the Quarter Finals of Philippine Chess League. Basin makatilaw na gyod sa championship win ugma puhon,” said team owner, Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo, who cited their three fightingest lawyers Cliburn Anthony Orbe, Melzar Galicia, and Jason Bandal as well as Dr. Wil Maghanoy as crucial in their quest for the elusive title.
Urbiztondo had likened the PCL to the Philippine Basketball League version of the PBA-like Professional Chess Association of the Philippines where the Surigao team is also competing.
“Now is the time for us to shine. I think we should not let this precious opportunity slip from us,” Urbiztondo told Gold Star Daily.
Notable stars for the Diamond Knights include UAAP veterans Lennon Hart Salgados, Kevin Mirano, Alfred Rapanot, and Mariel Romero.
While the Edmonton Oilers are expected to rely on Mark Kevin Labog, Jerry Areque, Ruther Barredo, and Gary Legaspi in their own bid for the top podium honor.
