Toledo-Xignex Trojans End Camarines Soaring Eagles PCAP Journey, Face Manila Loadmanna Knights in Finale
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 23 May 2024
CEBU---Toledo-Xignex Trojans successfully punched a ticket to the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) – 1st Conference All Filipino Cup Season 4 Grand Finals.
Toledo edged Camarines Soaring Eagles, 10.5-10.5, 2-1, 8-13, 2-1, in the Southern Division Finals being held through Chess.com Platform Wednesday night, May 22, 2024.
In the 1st set, the Cebuanos had a hard time in the opening blitz, holding Camarines to a 3.5-all stand off. They also split the points, 7-all, in the rapid game to forge an Armageddon tie-break.
According to International Arbiter and National Master Lincoln "Linky" Yap, in chess, the Armageddon is a variation of the blitz event where a drawn game is counted as a win for the black pieces. By nature, an Armageddon game cannot end in a draw and black also starts with less time on the clock than white.
In the 1st Armageddon, International Master Kim Steven Yap defeated FIDE Master Giovanni Mejia while Chin Lim shocked Grandmaster Darwin Laylo to lead the Trojans of Atty. Jeah Gacang and John Signe to victory.
International Master Joel Pimentel, meanwhile, bowed to FIDE Master Ellan Asuela of Camarines.
In the 2nd set, Laylo whipped Pimentel, Asuela subdued Lim, Woman International Master Bernadette Galas crushed Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia, Coellier Graspela toppled Diego Abraham Capariño and a drawn by Virgen Gil Ruaya against National Master Merben Roque to lead the Soaring Eagles of Engr. Jojo Buenaventura to 9-5 victory in the rapid play to forge another Armageddon tie-break.
Camarines also bested Toledo, 4-3, in the blitz play.
In the 2nd Armageddon, Kim beat Mejia while Lim upset Laylo. Asuela trounced Pimentel but not enough to power Camarines.
"Toledo-Xignex Trojans played well," said Camarines Soaring Eagles Coach National Master Ronald llavanes.
"I am very happy. It was a nice gift for my birthday, making it to the PCAP Grand Finals," said Yap, who celebrated his 36th birthday last Tuesday.
In the North, Manila Loadmanna Knights outplayed San Juan Predators, 15-6 and 11-10, to arranged a titular showdown with Toledo.
“It will be a very good match up given the similarities of our team composition and team structure. Without a doubt, Manila is fired up and determined to claim, as much as we do, the championship trophy. It will boil down to final preparation, board placement, sharpness of play during the match, internet connection, and some element of luck. Both teams being the most consistent grand final contenders from start to date, we can’t be more happy with our performance. All the same, may the best team wins," said 8-time Illinois USA champion International Master Angelo Abundo Young, another key player of Toledo that includes International Master Rico Mascarinas, National Master Edmundo Gatus, Allan Pason, among others.
"I couldn't be prouder of you all for winning the Southern Division Finals and defending our title. Your hardwork and teamwork have been amazing! As we head to the Grand Finals, let's remember that our unity got us here. Together, we can win it all. Let's make it happen. " said Toledo co-team owner Atty. Jeah Gacang.
PCAP, the country’s first play-for-pay league, is headed by PCAP President Atty. Paul Elauria, chairman Michael Angelo Ong Chua, PCAP treasurer Atty. Arnel Batungbakal and Technical Committee chairman Engr. Jojo Buenaventura and sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land, Buenaviel, Nova Wellness and PC Worx and sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Atty. Richard Clarin.-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo: Toledo-Xignex Trojans led by co-team owner Atty. Jeah Gacang (3rd from left) received the PCAP's Community Service Special Award. Others in photo from left: Team Capt. Bonn Rainauld Tibod, IM Rico Mascariñas, FA Felix Poloyapoy Jr., co-team owner John Signe and IM Kim Steven Yap.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Roach Jr. vs. Zepeda Press Conference Quotes
Wed, 10 Jun 2026Steven Butler to face Edgar Berlanga on July 26 at the Infosys Theater of the Madison Square Garden in New York
Wed, 10 Jun 2026Nimal Farmer scores signature win over Michael Anderson at Prudential Center
Wed, 10 Jun 2026H2O EAGER TO MAKE STATEMENT AGAINST FORMER WORLD CHAMPION JOJO DIAZ IN HOMETOWN HEADLINER JUNE 19
Wed, 10 Jun 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 JUNE 2026: Ramirez SD Lerrone; Baumstarh SD Bustillos; Vazquez, Mindoro Win in Texas; Yabuki, Moloney, Casimero and Angeletti Win in Japan
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Jun 20262026 NBA Finals: Spurs Take Game 3, Beat Knicks in New York 115-111
By Reylan Loberternos, Tue, 09 Jun 2026Casimero still rocking
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 09 Jun 2026Mascarinas faces tough competition in 66th San Carlos Charter Day
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 09 Jun 2026Raymond Muratalla Defends IBF Lightweight World Title Against Former Champion Robson Conceicao in Explosive Co-Main Event to Roach Jr. vs. Zepeda
Tue, 09 Jun 2026IBA represented at the United Nations World Cup Diplomacy Summit in New York
Tue, 09 Jun 2026Historic Costa Rican former champ Bryan Vasquez is arrested
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 09 Jun 2026Bruce Wren Tatad of Tanza, Cavite rules National Age Group Chess Championship ; vying Singapore chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 09 Jun 2026Suslenkov to face Joyce in a thrilling showdown at IBA PRO 19 in Moscow
Mon, 08 Jun 2026Dalton Smith receives inaugural WBC Ricky Hatton Legacy Belt in front of thousands in Mancheste
Mon, 08 Jun 2026Stacey King three time NBA Champion with Chicago Bulls passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 08 Jun 2026