MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian and darkhorse Arellano U hammered out impressive victories to seize the top spot in their respective divisions in the 86th NCAA chess tournament at the Cyberzone of the SM City Manila.
The Stags stunned the favored Letran Knights, the defending champions, in a 3-1 victory to overtake the St. Benilde Blazers, who drew a bye, for the seniors lead with 35 points.
The Junior Chiefs, for their part, walloped the Mapua Red Robins, 4-0, to jump over the Staglets and the Junior Blazers, who led going into this round, for the juniors lead with 31.5 points.
Jayson Mercado led San Sebastian by pulling the rug from under reigning MVP Chester Brian Guerrero on board one while Alexis Emil Maribao and Louie Salvador sealed the win with wins on boards three and four, respectively, to complete the shock win.
Ivan Gil Biag prevented a shutout with a triumph over John Albert Bongon on board two.
Arellano U, coached by National Master Rudy Ibanez, got the points from Earvin John Reyes, Kyle Llantada, Carlo Caranyagan and Jaymarc Gutierrez on all boards to carve out the sweep that catapulted it from third to solo first place.
The Staglets, the defending champions, were slowed down by a stinging 1.5-2.5 setback to the Squires with only Aldous Rey Coronel fashioning out the lone win on board one and Arkin Bonifacio salvaging a draw with Christian Cabida on board three.
Letran got the wins from Mike Suede and Christian Rey Drapete on boards two and four to jump into a share of No. 3 with idle La Salle-Greenhills, who was tied with San Sebastian going into the round.