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:
Martin dares Inoue, Casimero
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 07 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 6 JULY 2026: Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell in 12; Carrington Outpoints Palacios; Wins by Mossely, Sadjo, El Hadri.
By Eric Armit, Tue, 07 Jul 2026Quiñonero to fight again on August 28
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 07 Jul 2026MannyPay Global Launches U.S. Merchant Processing Division to Help Small Businesses Lower Payment Costs and Accelerate Growth
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Murat Gassiev to face Peter Kadiru for the WBA Heavyweight world title
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Bansilan, Tan rule Faith Run
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Teremoana and new Matchroom Boxing signing Zerafa confirmed for big August 12 card in Australia
Mon, 06 Jul 2026Jayson Vayson Returns to World Rankings
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Yor beats Salisad in technical decision, wants rematch
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026War, Chess, and Writs: Why Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II is Postponed, Not Scrapped
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Nabunturan wins 3-on-3 MMA
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Clarion, Yanon suffer KO losses in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell To Defend Lightweight Crown
Sun, 05 Jul 2026CARLO BIADO IS THE 2026 INDONESIA INTERNATIONAL OPEN CHAMPION
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Fight options for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 05 Jul 2026