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:
Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Weigh-In Results: Fundora and Conwell Ready for Golden Boy Fight Night in Oceanside
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Undefeated, rising Canadian prospect Eric Basran wins in Opening round to advance to quarterfinals of inaugural Riyadh Season/WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia
Sat, 19 Apr 2025WEIGHTS FROM LONG BEACH
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Weights From Washington, PA
Sat, 19 Apr 2025