Defending champion Laguna Heroes banked on Ukrainian import Kirill Shevchenko to down the Manila Indios Bravos, 11.5-9.5, in the 2021 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Wesley So Cup online tournament over the weekend.
Shevchenko bested International Master John Marvin Miciano in their blitz and rapid duels on the top board to power the Heroes to a second straight victory for a 21-4 win-loss record.
Grandmaster Banjo Barcenilla also stepped up for Laguna by outplaying Ryan Dungca also in their blitz and rapid matches, while Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo also showed his prowess with blitz and rapid victories over International Master Ronald Dableo.
Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez also provided reinforcements with a draw against Mira Mirano in their blitz match and a victory in their rapid encounter.
Laguna actually drew with Manila in the blitz event, 3.5-3.5, but was able to prevail in the rapid, 8-6, to clinch the matchup win.
Other matches in the Northern Division saw San Juan besting Antipolo, 13-8; Caloocan dumping Rizal,16-5; Quezon squeaking past Cagayan, 11-10; Cavite edging Pasig, 11-10; and Isabela crushing Olongapo, 15-6.
Southern Division saw Camarines prevailing over Zamboanga, 12-9; Cebu toppling Toledo, 13-8; Cordova thumping Surigao, 18-5-2.5; Iloilo routing Palawan, 20-1; Negros trouncing Iriga, 15-6; and Mindoro whipping Lapu-Lapu, 12-9.