MANILA, Philippines — Grandmaster Banjo Barcenilla and FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus came through with the wins that mattered most as the Laguna Heroes edged the Camarines Soaring Eagles in the Armageddon playoff, 2-1, and crowned themselves first Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) champions Saturday night.
Trailing 0-1 after Camarines’ GM Mark Paragua made quick work of GM John Paul Gomez, Barcenilla and Literatus showed nerves of steel and turned back upset-conscious Christian Mark Daluz and Ellan Asuela, respectively, to power the Heroes to the crown in the country’s first pro league in the sport.
“We knew we both needed to win and we’re thankful and happy we delivered,” said Barcenilla, who also anchored his team’s 3-0 victory against the San Juan Predators in another Armageddon playoff duel in the Northern Conference finals last Wednesday.
Laguna had a chance to wrap it all up in regulation play after it won the first of their two-set showdown, 14.5-6.5, and Literatus was winning against a time-starved Asuela with the second set knotted at 9.5-all.
But Literatus blundered away his advantage and Asuela, one of the fastest untitled chessers in the country today, cashed in on it and snatched the win and the set in forcing the three-game tiebreaker.