Toledo-Xignex Trojans finally win the PCAP online team chess tournament
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 15 May 2025
The Toledo Xignex Trojans finally won the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) online team chess tournament through the Chess.com platform on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
The Atty. Jeah Gacang, Sir John Signe, and NM Rafael "Jojo" Legaspi-backed Toledo defeated the Pasig City King Pirates 13-8 and 14-7.
Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia humbled Woman National Master Rowelyn Acedo, 2-1, and International Master Joel Pimentel trounced Omar Bagalacsa, 3-0, to lead Toledo to victory in the first of their two-set showdown in this prestigious competition sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land, and PCWorx.
Grandmaster Oliver Barbosa, International Master Kim Yap, Mejia, and Pimentel carried the fight for the Toledo Xignex Trojans with decisive victories over the Pasig City King Pirates in the second set.
Barbosa clobbered Sherwin Tiu, 3-0; Yap dismantled Jerome Villanueva, 3-0; Mejia blanked Woman FIDE Master Sherily Cua, 3-0; and Pimentel overpowered Bagalacsa, 2.5-0.5, to complete Toledo's day of triumph. International Master Idelfonso Datu, International Master Petronio Roca, and Mark Kevin Labog carried the fight for the Mayor Vico Sotto-backed Pasig City King Pirates.
Datu bested FIDE Master Ellan Asuela, 2-1; Roca edged FIDE Master Carlo Edgardo Garma, 2-1; and Labog toppled Diego Abraham Caparino, 2.5-0.5.
"To our founders and pillars, who never stopped dreaming; to the Trojans, who fought with heart and soul; to our families, supporters, and community, who never left our side; and to everyone who keeps the fire of Philippine chess burning bright—thank you from the bottom of my heart.
And most of all, to God be all the glory. His timing is always perfect. His plan, always greater," said Toledo Xignex Trojans Team Owner Atty. Jeah Gacang.
“It feels great to finally win the championship. It wasn’t easy after making several changes during the offseason,” said Team Manager/benefactor NM Rafael "Jojo" Legaspi. “But we always believed our lineup could beat any team. Our team is built to win championships.”
The win completed Toledo’s redemption tour after a heartbreaking finish last conference. With Jojo Legaspi taking over the managerial duties, the Trojans swept the field in last conference’s elimination round, winning 22 straight matches.
They made it 24-0 as they set up a title match with defending champion Manila Load Manna Knights. But Christmas didn’t come for the Trojans—they fell short of No. 25.
After winning the first set, they lost the second and the Armageddon to settle for another runner-up finish.
The Trojans regrouped for Season 5, getting the services of GM Mark Paragua and GM Oliver Barbosa. Legaspi also added IM Joel Banawa, IM Barlo Nadera, FIDE Master Carlo Edgardo Garma, and NM Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano. They finished the season’s first conference with a 19-3 record.
Scheduling problems sidelined Paragua in the playoffs, but the Trojans had enough depth to beat the Iloilo Kisela Knights in the South semifinals, 2-0, and the Bacolod Blitzers in the South finals, 2-0.
Meanwhile, the San Juan Predators trounced the Bacolod Blitzers, 18-3, in their one-game playoff to clinch third place.
Sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), headed by its chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, PCAP is headed by Atty. Paul Elauria as President-Commissioner and Michael Angelo Ong Chua as Chairman. -Marlon Bernardino-
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND QUOTES FROM TODAY’S OFFICIAL WEIGH-INS AND PRESS CONFERENCE FOR MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS’ HIGHLY ANTICIPATED U.S. DEBUT TOMORROW, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Sat, 29 Nov 2025Tagaytay Hosts 3rd Asian Chess Championship for Disabled 2025
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 29 Nov 2025WEIGHTS FROM PROBOXTV’S ‘THE CONTENDER SERIES’ AT SAVE MART CENTER IN FRESNO, SAT., NOVEMBER 29
Sat, 29 Nov 2025BIRMINGHAM WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS BEN WHITTAKER PREPARES FOR MATCHROOM DEBUT
Fri, 28 Nov 2025Coach Marvin Somodio: Full of Life and Punch at 42
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Fri, 28 Nov 2025Boston Ends Detroit's Winning Streak at 12; Celtics Trip Pistons, 117-114 at the Garden
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 28 Nov 20257-Eleven Run 2026 set on Jan. 31-Feb. 1
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 28 Nov 2025Carlos Cañizales Forced to Cancel Flight to Thailand for WBC World Title Defense
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Boxing Champions Promotions to Present Manny Pacquiao & Freddie Roach with Inaugural “Centurion Awards” During Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event on November 29
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Atif Oberlton Takes on Vaughn Alexander on Saturday, December 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Iligan tops in PEKAF Mindanao qualifying tourney
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 27 Nov 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2026 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4th
Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Renowned Boxing Trainer Bob Santos Launches Private Boxing Camp in Las Vegas
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Eight Boxers Remain in WBC Grand Prix Finals On December 20
Wed, 26 Nov 2025WBA/WBO Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez Confirms World Title Fight with David Benavidez on Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas
Wed, 26 Nov 2025