Dasma Cavite eyes bounce back win in PCAP

MANILA, Philippines: The Dasma Cavite Spartans will try to bounce back with a resounding victory against the San Juan Predators and guest team Pasig Grassroots when in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) online chess team tournament resumes on Wednesday, April 3.

The Spartans bowed to defending champion Pasig City King Pirates, 6.5-14.5, on Wednesday, March 27, for its first loss in three games in the Northern division.

Patrick Bonifacio of Dasma Cavite Spartans will see action for the first time in PCAP on Wednesday, April 3. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 

Pasig outplayed Cavite in the blitz (4.5-2.5) and rapid (10-4) events despite Spartans top board player International Master Michael Concio Jr. defeating Grandmaster Mark Paragua both in blitz and rapid. The Predators now have a 2-1 record after losing their second game to San Juan last week.

Cavite opened its campaign with an 18.5-2.5 drubbing of Rizal Batch Towers followed by a 21-0 demolition over Olongapo.

Aside from Concio, Spartans coach Benjie Bercadez can also lean on Kevin Arquero, Woman International Master Kylen Joy Mordido, Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. and home grown players International Master Daniel Quizon, Fide Master Roel Abelgas and National Master Raymond Salcedo.

“We move on, we go to the next game, and then be prepared,” said coach Benjie Bercadez, who said he will field Joel Delfin and Patrick Bonifacio against Pasig Grassroots Team.

This will be the first PCAP game for Bonifacio.

“I will not waste the support given by Sir Israel Landicho and Coach Benjie Bercadez who trust in my ability,” said Bonifacio, one of the top players of Tarrasch Knight Chess Club.

“Everybody is chipping in for the team and doing their parts and I’ll do my part and not let my teammates down,” Delfin added.

The country’s first and only professional chess tournament is held online via through Chess.com platform.

The Northern Division is paced by Manila and Isabela with similar records of 3-0.

In the Southern division, Camarines and Toledo remain undefeated in three games.

PCAP commissioner Paul Elauria said there will be no scheduled game on Black Saturday, March 30.