GM "Banjo" Barcenilla powers Laguna Heroes past Rizal
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 30 Jan 2022
MANILA, Philippines---Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Bacenilla Jr. proved unstoppable at the top board as he led Laguna Heroes to a 15-6 victory over Rizal Batch Towers in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines online chess tournament virtually held at Chess.com platform Saturday night, January 29, 2022.
Barcenilla, a two-time (1989 and 1990) Asian Juniors champion in India and Dubai and 1991 Bronze medalist in World Juniors championship in Romania, defeated Salcedo after 59 moves of English Opening in their rapid play encounter. Barcenilla also split the point with Salcedo after 45 moves of Reti Opening in the blitz portion.
“GM Banjo’s play was always razor-sharp, rational and brilliant,” said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Fred Paez, one of the four co-team owner of the Laguna Heroes that include Mr. David Nithyananthan of KALARO, Engr. Benjamin Dy of SDC Global Choice and Engr. Jonathan Mamaril of Oregon, USA.
"We are happy with our twin wins tonight. Though we had big winning margins against Cagayan and Rizal, they were hard-fought. All games were exciting until the endgames," he added.
The Heroes, earlier beat Cagayan Kings, 15.5-5.5. The Heroes now has 4-0 win-loss record in the Northern Division standings, the same output of Pasig City King Pirates and San Juan Predators.
Also delivering for the Laguna backed up by KALARO, Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Rotary Club of Nuvali were Fide Master Austin Jacob Literatus, Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo.
Literatus dismantled National Master Noel dela Cruz after 78 moves of Sicilian defense, Bagamasbad trounced National Master Elias Lao Jr. after 48 moves of Caro-Kann defense and Lorenzo subdued Anore Geron after 84 moves of Pirc defense.
Michella Concio drew with Kelly Ann David after 21 moves King's Indian Attack while Richie Jocson settled for a truce with Jaymarc Gutierrez after 32 moves of Queen's Gambit Declined, Albin Counter Gambit variation.
Marlon Constatino dealt Apollo Agapay after 52 moves of Caro-Kann defense to provided only wins of Rizal in the rapid game.
The Laguna Heroes bested Rizal in blitz portion, 5-2, as well as in the rapid format, 10-4.
Meanwhile, 13-time Philippine Open Champion Grandmaster Rogelio "Joey" Antonio Jr. spearheaded Iloilo Kisela Knights to a 16.5-4.5 victory over Camarines Soaring Eagle as well 17.5-3.5 triumph against Toledo City Trojans to grab the solo lead in the Southern Division standings with a 4-0 clean slate.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Chaos in Liverpool: Figueroa Silences Echo Arena with 12th-Round Fireworks
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Gabriel Santisima Stuns Unbeaten World Ranked and WBO Asia Pacific Champion Subaru Murata to Capture WBO Asia Pacific Title at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
Sun, 08 Feb 2026Lucky "Batang Quiapo" Salvador defeats Rhaky "Roj" Constantino
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 08 Feb 2026Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa: Scrappy Styles Matchup in Liverpool
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 07 Feb 2026Undefeated Middleweight Sebastian Juarez Returns to the Ring February 6 in Guadalajara
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Esquillo, Arpilleda to compete at Lunar Horse Battle Royal 10-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 06 Feb 2026WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR MEDINA VS. CURIEL IN MEXICO, PLUS MAIN EVENT QUOTES
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Rene Tellez Giron & Luis Torres Battle for Mexican Pride in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Gomera and Ding are set to clash for the WBC Asia 126 belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026“Thunderdome 53 is stacked and I cant wait to see these fights March 13 at Thunderdome 53 - Promoter Tony Tolj
Thu, 05 Feb 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO MAKES ITS PRUDENTIAL CENTER DEBUT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Sumalinog Brothers Score Wins in Bohol; Sign with Monty Flores (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH TEAM BOXING LEAGUE
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Trifon Petrov unveils the signing of another USA Team member in Ariana Carrasco
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Jerome Gonzales off to a marvelous start in J&P 10 Ball Cup at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 05 Feb 2026