The Laguna Heroes squeaked past the Isabela Knight Raiders, 11-10, in the Northern Division of the All Filipino Conference Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) online tournament Saturday night.
The Heroes banked on their 5-2 victory in the blitz after yielding in the rapid, 8-6, to secure their seventh victory against two losses.
Grandmaster Banjo Barcenilla steered the Heroes by winning all his matches with Woman National Master Karen Enriquez and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo providing reinforcements.
Barcenilla, now based in the United States, bested Alvin Aguinaldo in both blitz and rapid in the top board while Enriquez routed Genlaiza Baguorio in blitz and Sheryll Andres in Bordon in rapid on board three.
Lorenzo, for his part, nipped Lordwin Espiritu in blitz and rapid on board six.
Earlier, the Heroes clobbered the Cagayan Kings, 17.5-3.5.
Barcenilla spearheaded the team as expected with blitz and rapid triumphs over Jake Tasi Tumaliuan on the top board.
The Heroes next clash with the Manila Indios Bravos and the Quezon City Simba’s Tribe on Wednesday.