The Toledo Xignex Trojans delivered an impressive performance in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Filipino Conference, securing two contrasting victories over Bacolod Blitzers and Camarines Soaring Eagles last Saturday. With these wins, the Trojans improved their record to 16-2, maintaining their position at the top of the Southern Division.
The weekend was significant for Toledo, highlighted by a nail-biting 11-10 triumph against Bacolod, followed by a resounding 16.5-4.5 victory over Camarines.
Narrow Win Against Bacolod
The match against Bacolod was intense, requiring strategic play and resilience. Notably, International Masters Joel Banawa and Kim Steven Yap rose to the occasion, winning both their rapid and blitz matches against their respective opponents, Danny Mangao and Edsel Montoya.
Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Barcenilla Jr. had a mixed performance, losing in rapid but winning in blitz against Thesius Benitez. Ultimately, Toledo edged out Bacolod in the blitz round 5-2, while being narrowly outscored in rapid play 8-6, securing the overall victory.
Dominant Performance Over Camarines
Toledo continued to ride their momentum in their second match of the night, overpowering Camarines from the outset. They achieved a commanding 5.5-1.5 win in blitz, followed by an 11-3 triumph in rapid play, completing a successful double-header.
These results leave Bacolod with a record of 10-8, while Camarines remains in the lower tier of the Southern Division as the competition heats up with the elimination rounds nearing their conclusion.