
Manila Indios Bravos-Manila Load Manna Knights edge Toledo-Xignex Trojans to claim first PCAP crown
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 26 May 2024
Manila---Manila Indios Bravos-Manila Load Manna Knights scored back-to-back wins against Toledo-Xignex Trojans in the two-game finals to claim their first title of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) – 1st Conference All Filipino Cup Season 4 Grand Finals virtually held on Saturday night, May 25, 2024 via chess.com platform.
So hungry for the title, the Atty. Arnel Batungbakal backed Manila Indios Bravos-Manila Load Manna Knights won’t be denied this time as they found the missing piece to finally untangle the jigsaw puzzle that is the Atty. Jeah Gacang and John Signe backed Toledo-Xignex Trojans.
The Load Manna Knights, led by their International Master (IM) Paulo Bersamina were on pace for a cruise control after taking Set 1, 11-10.
Also stepping up their games were WFM Shania Mae Mendoza, IM Chito Garma, Alji Cantonjos, and a draw by FM David Elorta and FM Deniel Causo won 5-2 in the first blitz duel.
However, the Xignex Trojans dominated the rapid, 8-6, but not enough to power their team.
Set 2 saw Causo, WNM Arvie Lozano, Garma, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia and Bersamina winning their respective matches as Load Manna Knights won the second blitz duel, 5-2.
The Load Manna Knights beat Xignex Trojans, 9-5, in the second rapid game to win Set 2, 14-7.
The Load Manna Knights led by Elorta, Bersamina, Garma, Daryl Unix Samantilla and a draw by Ryan Dungca.
Other members of the victorious Manila Load Manna Knights were GM Julio Catalino Sadorra, CM Genghis Imperial, Jovert Valenzuela, Jhulo Guloran and John Ernie Polancos Maraan.
"I think it was our resiliency that brought us towards the end," said coach Val Mendoza.
"It was a good game but I think we wanted it more," he added.
“Overall it was really a team effort,” the last word of coach Mendoza.
Before battling Xignex Trojans in the finals, Manila finished No. 3 in the Northern Conference with a 21-4 record behind the San Juan Predators (22-3) and the defending champion Pasig City King Pirates (21-4).
The Load Manna Knights went on to beat the Quezon City Simba's Tribe, 15 -6, 16 -5, in the quarterfinal round, Pasig , 13.5-7.5, 14-7, in the semi-final round and San Juan, 15-6, 11-10, in the North finals.
Toledo, on the other hand, finished No. 2 in the Southern Conference with a 17-8 record behind the Camarines Soaring Eagles (20-5).
But after beating the Arriba Irigain the quarters, 21-0, 21-0, and Davao Chess Eagles, 14-5-6.5, 14.5-6.5, in the semis, Toledo pulled the rug from under Camarines, 10.5-10.5, 2-1, 13-8, 2-1, to rule the Southern Conference.
In the battle for third, Camarines defeated San Juan.
The tournament was organized by PCAP, headed by President/Commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria , Chairman Michael Angelo Chua, PCAP treasurer Atty. Arnel Batungbakal and Technical Committee chairman Engr. Jojo Buenaventura and sanctioned by the Games and amusements Board (GAB), led by Chairman Atty. Richard Clarin.
It is supported by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land Premier, Buenaviel, Nova Wellness, Starshots Coffee, Ortigas Malls, Estancia, Seiko, Davies, Petrochem, Sudeco, CDCI, Chess.com and PC Worx.-Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: A wonderful spectacle in Las Vegas
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 19 Sep 2025TRAINER OF THE YEAR BOB SANTOS TO MAKE BROADCASTING DEBUT AT BOXLAB PROMOTIONS' “NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS” ON SEPTEMBER 19
Fri, 19 Sep 2025Five Boxers Closed Fights Early via RSC During Wednesday’s Competition
Fri, 19 Sep 2025“Thrilla” card takes shape
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 18 Sep 2025Wishing Best to Jayson Vayson in his World Title Challenge!
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 18 Sep 2025Vayson aims to make history
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 18 Sep 2025KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Day Two of 2025 USA Boxing National Open Delivers 108 Action-Packed Bouts in Tulsa
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Bryce Mills Boxes James Bernadin At del Lago Resort & Casino On Thursday, Oct. 30, in Waterloo, NY
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Caribbean Clash Returns Friday, November 7th at Gulfstream Park Casino in Hallandale, Florida
Thu, 18 Sep 2025VM Sotto, City Council Recognize GM Joey Antonio
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 18 Sep 2025Larida is Southern Coach of the Year
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 18 Sep 2025D.C. Knockout Artist Scooter Davis Signs Promotional Contract with Top Rank
Thu, 18 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 15 SEPTEMBER 2025: Crawford Snatches Canelo's Undisputed Crown at 168 Lbs; Inoue Defeats Akhmadliev to Retain 4 Superbantam Belts; Crocker Outpoints Donovan
By Eric Armit, Wed, 17 Sep 2025TICKET NEWS: EUBANK JR-BENN II ON SALE FROM THIS WEDNESDAY
Wed, 17 Sep 2025