Manila deals Iloilo first Wesley So Cup setback

MANILA, Philippines — No team plays the Iloilo Kisela Knights better than the Manila Indios Bravos. Wherever they are in the standings, Manila is Iloilo’s kryptonite.

The Indios Bravos, in perhaps their biggest win this Wesley So Cup thus far, summoned every bit of their old pride to put themselves right back into solid playoff contention in the northern division.

Manila took blitz play, 4-3, with huge points coming from IM Yoseph Taher, WNM Mira Mirano, IM Ronald Dableo and CM Jhulo Goloran.

The four of them once more supplied the points for Manila in rapid play, but it was the stunning upset by Dr. Jenny Mayor over All-Filipino Cup Best Player and Grandmaster Joey Antonio that allowed the Indios Bravos to notch the rapid play count at 7-all.

Mayor, who is a dentist and hails from Romblon, filled the cavity that the Kisela Knights had burrowed into Manila’s teeth. 

By virtue of their one-point win in blitz, Manila went home 11-10 winners. This too was their third win in five meetings, with Iloilo giving the Indios Bravos the distinction of being the sole team with a winning record against the Southern Division powerhouse.

It was the perfect way for Manila to cap their June 22 evening after they blasted Pagadian, 17-4, in the first match of the double-header.

The Manila Indios Bravos, managed by Atty. Joey Elauria and Val Mendoza, hiked their record to 11-8 and got into the top eight of the Northern Division.

Iloilo crushed Isabela, 16-5, in their first match of the evening. Despite the loss, Iloilo maintained its best record in the south and in the entire league at 18-1.