Benilde chessers foil rivals, remain at helm

MANILA, Philippines - St. Benilde swept two matches to remain in the solo lead in the 87th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) chess tournament at SM Centerpoint in Sta. Mesa.

Jerich Cajeras led St. Benilde to identical 3.5-0.5 wins over University of Perpetual Help and Arellano University Chiefs.

The Blazers now have 46.5 points.

Cajeras, who emerged the second best board one player in the tournament, downed Arellano’s John Kristoferson de Leon.

Other scorers for the Blazers were Narinquen Reyes and Avhix Alfonso.

Meanwhile, San Sebastian improved to second with 42 points after beating EAC, 3-1, and San Beda, 4-0.

Alex Maribao, San Sebastian’s top player, racked up 11 wins, two draws and only one loss.

Emilio Aguinaldo College gained a share of third with Mapua and Letran with 34 points, following the Generals’ 2.5-1.5 win over the Cardinals.

In the juniors side, Arellano leads the field with 49.5 points with Letran in second with 48.5.

The Baby Chiefs kept their grip of the solo lead after routing Jose Rizal University, 4-0, and edging La Salle Greenhills, 2.5-1.5, in the 16th and 17th rounds, respectively.