By Lynde Salgados
Correspondent
PLAYING without pressure, the Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates defeated Palawan, 14-seven and Sunrays, 16.5-4.5 on Saturday and is gunning to score another twin-kill against Toledo and Camarines on Wednesday’s resumption of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) 3rd Conference rivalry which is now on its second round.
“Dawat na namo ang kapeldihan kay taas na ang apason. Tsamba na lang kon among malaras ang remaining games unya makalamba pa nga mo-qualify. Basta dula na lang ‘mi lingaw-lingaw with no pressure at all,” said Surigao’s team-playing owner, Arena Grandmaster Rey Urbiztondo.
Surigao is a five-14 win-loss holder just below Camarines which occupies the last contested eight spot among 12 teams in the Southern Division with an eight-11 win-loss ledger.
Its top-scoring ace from Cagayan de Oro, Lennon Hart Salgados ― who remains unbeaten in rapid play ― will be at the helm of Surigao’s slam-bang try against Toledo and Camarines in the company of National Masters Jonathan Tan and Joey Florendo, Fide Master Vince Alaan, Aubrey Gallardo, Joselito Serna, Fr. Vic Arellano, Tyrone Alaan, and Rogelio Canoy.
Toledo has Rommel Ganzon, Richard Natividad, Glicerio Pardillo, and Olympiad veteran International Master Rico Mascariñas in its roster. While Camarines is anchored by blitz specialist Ellan Asuela, AGM Roberto Suelo Jr and NMs Carlo Lorena, and Ronald Llavanes.
The last time they played, the Congressman Robert Barbers-backed Checkmaters blasted CamSur, 15.5-5.5.
“If we beat Camarines and Toledo we might have a chance. But we need a perfect four points to do that and at least, duplicate our quarterfinals stint in the 2nd Conference,” Urbiztondo told Gold Star Daily.
The 2nd Conference ruler Iloilo and guest squad Paralympics share the South lead at 15-four. While San Juan and Pasig are the joint leaders in the North at 18-one.
