SAN Juan Predators and Laguna Heroes swept their respective opponents on the penultimate day of competitions to set the stage for a tight and interesting finish going into the playoffs in the 2021 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Filipino tournament.
San Juan blasted Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, 17.5-3.5, and Pasig Pirates, 15.5-5.5, while Laguna routed Isabela Knight Raiders, 20-1, and Manila Indios Bravos, 17-4, to keep a share of the lead with identical 29-4 win-loss records in the Northern Conference.
San Juan, however, still holds the tiebreak lead over Laguna with 490.5 points against 488 points.
But the Predators still need to win their final-round assignment against the dangerous Rizal Towers on Saturday and hope that the Heroes lose to Quezon City or at least not overtake them in the overall points total.
The top team after the elimination round is set to meet the No. 8 squad, Antipolo Cobras, in the quarterfinals on March 24.
Caloocan Load Manna Knights, which is assured of third place with 28-5 record, and Manila, which is locked in the battle for the No. 4 spot with Rizal, square off in another featured encounter.
In the Southern Conference, the GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr.-led Iloilo Kisela Knights demolished Cordova Dagami Warriors, 17.5-3.5, and Iriga city Oragons, 17-4, to clinch top seed with 29-4 record.
But the Camarines Soaring Eagles, and Negros Kingsmen remain in the hunt for the No. 2 spot.
Camarines, second with 28-5 record, will battle Surigao Fianchetto Gambits, while Negros, third with 27-6 mark, will play Cordova Naki Warriors.
The Kingsmen currently enjoy a 460.5-452.5 edge over the Eagles in tiebreak points.
PCAP presIdent-commissioner Atty. Paul Elauria said the playoff stage of the 24-team tournament sponsored by San Miguel Corporation will begin 9n March 24.
The tournament is the first government-licensed professional chess league under the supervision of the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
