by Ramon Galvan III
The San Juan Predators started their inaugural PCAP season campaign with style as they thrashed the Antipolo Cobras 18.5-2.5, allowing only two draws and a loss from the 14 games and setting the largest margin for all of the Day 1 matches.
The highlight of the night was in Board 1 where GM Oliver Barbosa saved 0.5 points in the blitz game. Down in material but up by 10 seconds, he managed to get control of the h-file with both of his rooks, forcing a draw by repitition against USNM Jojo Aquino. His heroics, however, were not exactly needed as he and his teammates dominated the Cobras, forcing checkmates and taking material advantages.
The San Juan Predators will face the Laguna Heroes (1-0) and the Isabela Knight Raiders (0-1) in next Wednesday’s doubleheader.