MANILA---The Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates collected another huge victory and extended its winning streak to three in the ongoing 2023 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) last Saturday, March 18.
After pulling off masterful performances against Magic Mandaluyong Tigers (12-9) and Quezon City Simba's Tribe (12.5-8.5), the Fianchetto Checkmates picked up where they left off and shut down Rizal Batch Towers, 12.5-8.5.
The Fianchetto Checkmates kicked off their match into draws with Rizal Batch Towers,3.5-3.5, in their blitz round competition.
Cyril Ortega, FIDE Master Vince Alaan, Joselito Serna and Fame Fazon powered the Fianchetto Checkmates towards a 9-5 victory in their rapid round encounter.
Ortega defeated National Master Elias Lao Jr. on Board Four, Alaan bested Walt Talan on Board 5, Serna toppled John Paul Aquino on Board 6 and Fazon edged Marlon Constantino on Board 7.
Mariel Batulan-Romero halved the point with Kelly Ann David-Salcedo on Board 3.
International Master Richellieu Salcedo III and National Master Noel Dela Cruz carried the good fight for the Batch Towers after beating Lennon Heart Salgados and Carl Sato on Board 1 and Board 2, respectively.
The win helped Surigao improved their win-loss record to 6-11 built from 159.5 points in the Southern division.
"Rizal Batch Towers is a very strong team. We are just lucky for beating them tonight. It was indeed a tight match," said Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates Team Owner Arena Grandmaster Rey Crisologo Urbiztondo, who facilitated the sponsorship of Congressman Johnny T. Pimentel in the sponsorship of the 5th Philippine Chess League GM Pimentel Cup last December 2022 won by Davao Durianburg.
"We fervently hope to continue our winning streak" added Urbiztondo, one of the board directors of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, who also owns Surigao Diamond Knights, playing now in the quarter-finals of the Philippine Chess League.
Other supporters of Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates are Governor Lyndon Barbers, Congressman Ace Barbers, Surigao City Mayor Paul Dumlao, and team manager engr. Dohjie Morales.-Marlon Bernardino-
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