CEBU, Philippines — Ang way pildeng Toledo-Xignex Trojans midominar sa Camarines Soaring Eagles sa duha ka duwa nilang finals aron paglugwa nga kampiyon sa Southern Division sa 2024 Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) SGM Wesley So Cup niadtong Sabado sa gabii, Nobiembre 2.
Gipangulohan nilang Grandmasters Aleksey Sorokin ug Rogelio Antonio Jr., International Masters Kim Steven Yap, Joel Pimentel ug Kylen Joy Mordido, FIDE Master Ellan Asuela, Virgen Gil Ruaya ug Diego Abaraham Caparino, ang Trojans milampaso sa Camarines, 16.5-4.5, sa rapid play, ug dayon mipasukarap sa Soaring Eagles sa hingpit uban ang laing impresibong 14.5-6.5 nga kadaogan sa blitz event.
Sa pagsakmit nila sa korona sa South uban ang makasaysayanong 24-0 rekord, ang Trojans nga giduma nilang Atty. Jeah Gacang ug John Signe mi-abante ngadto sa Grand Finals batok sa Northern Conference champion Manila Load Manna Knights karong Miyerkules, Nobiembre 6.
"I couldn't be prouder of the team's strong finish in the division finals. We're still pushing toward the grand finals but we've already made history as the first undefeated team - a milestone that no other PCAP team has ever achieved so far," matud pa ni Gacang.
"Even with this record, we won't be complacent. Winning the Southern Division title is a tough journey and the road to becoming the grand champion is even tougher," padayon pa ni Gacang. "But we'll stay focused on our ultimate goal!"
Si Gacang mipaambit nga ang usa sa labing nindot nga desisyon nga ilang nahimo mao ang pagdawat ni Jose Rafael "Jojo" Legaspi sa ilang poder.
"He has done so much for us and introduced valuable new insights," dason pa ni Gacang agi'g pagdayeg ni Legaspi.
"I also want to thank my fellow pillar in the team, John Signe, for his unwavering support which has been essential to our journey. I must say, the team has grown tremendously thanks to their guidance and to our incredibly talented and dedicated teammates, whose commitment and hardwork drive our success every step of the way."
Karon, ang Trojans naglantaw ngadto sa unahon nga makabawos sa Load Manna Knights, nga mibuntog kanila sa All-Filipino Conference finals niadtong Mayo.
"To the team, I couldn't be prouder. Sige sila'g practice, grabe ilang preparation before game day. Ni pay-off gyud tanan nilang efforts," padayad pa ni Signe. "Now, it’s time for the big one. We’re ready - more than ready to face off against the Manila Load Manna Knights in this highly anticipated rematch of last conference s finals."
"If ma-champion mi, dakong kalipay kaayo namo ni Atty. Jeah Gacang nga makahatag mi og garbo dili lang sa siyudad sa Toledo pero apil napud sa kinatibuk-ang probinsiya sa Cebu," panapos pa ni Signe.