CSB, SSC, Letran pull off chess wins

MANILA, Philippines - St. Benilde, San Sebastian and Letran pulled off identical shutout victories to seize a share of the lead in the seniors division of the 88th NCAA chess competition at the SM Centerpoint’s Cinema Hall in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The Blazers won over Mapua, the Stags over Lyceum and the Knights over Perpetual Help, all via emphatic 4-0 scores, to emerge the early leaders after the third round with 10 points apiece.

In high school chess, Arellano U dumped Jose Rizal, 4-0, and Letran walloped Perpetual Help, 4-0, to claim joint leadership in the division with 11.5 points each.

CSB, which is mentored by FIDE Master Fernie Donguines and National Master Rolando Andador, leaned on wins by Narquingden Reyes, Mark Fernand Donguines, Jerich Cajeras and Jessie Abucejo.

San Sebastian’s triumphs came from Alexis Maribao, Adrian Perez, Louie Salvador and Arvie Jongko while Letran drew the points from Ivan Gil Biag, Jesus Benjamin Lising, Paul Christian Barroga and Niño Datu.

The Braves, who are coached by NM Rudy Ibanez, leaned on triumphs by Edil Gester Garcia, Carlo Caranyagan, Kyz Llantada and Ynna Canape while Letran relied on wins by FIDE Master Paolo Bersamina, Melwyn Kenneth Baltazar, Christian Dave Cabida and Alexis Osena to grab a piece of the lead.

Perpetual Help’s Anthony Tamayo, who chairs the organizing committee of chess, and Grandmaster Eugene Torre ushered in the event a few days ago before some members of the league board.