National Master and United States chess master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr. defeated Apollo Agapay in their rapid duel to lift Quezon City Simba's Tribe to a 11-10 victory over Laguna PECA in the 2023 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Wesley So Cup held online via the Chess.com platform on Wednesday, October 11. Bernardino, also a sportswriter and chess coach, edged Agapay in 37 moves of the London System Opening using the black pieces to give the Simba's Tribe to their fourth win in eight matches in the Northern Division.
Bernardino said that Agapay had the upperhand in the game but committed a miscue in the endgame that allowed the former to steal the win.
A draw or a loss by Bernardino, who is part of the coaching staff of the Philippine team bound for the World Youth Chess Championships in Montesilvano, Italy next month, would have given Laguna the victory.
A victory in rapid play is equivalent to two points.
Bernardino, who ruled the Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines-IIEE blitz chess tournament in Quezon City last week, also got help from Grandmaster Darwin Laylo, National Master Robert Suelo Jr. And former National Inter Bank champion and playing team owner Danilo Ponay.
Laylo, a Chess Olympiad veteran, bested Fide Master Austin Jacob Literatus, Suelo toppled National Master Nicomedes Alisangco and Ponay won over International Master Angelo Abundo Young.
Laguna prevailed in the blitz category by Quezon City bounced back in the rapid section.
Laguna was led by Grandmaster Rogelio "Banjo" Barcenilla, Michella Oboza Concio and Richie Jocson who won their respective matches against playing co-team manager Samivin delos Santos, Manilyn Cabungcag and Joseph Navarro, respectively.
This is the third straight 11-10 win for Quezon City after edging Rizal Batch Towers and Isabela Knights of Alexander last week.
Quezon City also toppled Manila Indios Bravos, 13-8, but bowed to Cavite Spartans, 10-11; Cagayan Kings, 7-14; Pasig King Pirates, 3.5-17.5; and San Juan Predators, 5-16.
The other members of Quezon City Simba's Tribe are co-team manager Dennis Alain Lladoc, Freddie and Francis Talaboc, Playing Team Captain Michaela Concio, NM Robert Arellano, Justin Corpin and Kristian Paulo Cristobal.
PCAP, the country's first play-for-pay chess league, is sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB).