Chiefs nip Pirates, cop NC chess title

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano U bucked the odds to capture its first crown in the seniors division of the 90th NCAA chess tournament, edging Lyceum in the finals at the Athletes’ Hall inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex recently.

The Chiefs rallied from two matches down to frustrate the Pirates and clinched the title via the tiebreak after both teams wound up tied at 2.

Lyceum took the first two matches behind Prince Mark Aquino and Jonathan Jota, who beat Don Tyrone delos Santos and Michael Miguel Penero, respectively, on the lower boards but Arellano’s Kyz Llantad and Carlo Caranyagan toppled Jan Francis Mirano and Romy Fagon on boards one and two, respectively, and the Chiefs won in the tiebreak by posting the wins on the higher boards.

Arellano U management committee representative Peter Cayco lauded the team for its triumphant run.

“We congratulate the team and Arellano University is proud of their accomplishment,” said Cayco.

The Chiefs put on a strong finishing kick to snatch the second round pennant and seal a title clash with Lyceum.

In high school action, Olympiad veteran IM Paolo Bersamina swept all his matches to power the Letran Squires to the juniors crown.