Arellano beats Perpetual in NCAA chess

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Arellano University downed Perpetual Help, 3.5-.5, to clinch the first round pennant in the seniors' chess competition of the 91st NCAA season at the Philippine Sports Commission's Administration Building in Manila over the weekend.

Kyz Llantada, Don Tyrone delos Santos  and Michael Miguel Penero delivered the wins on boards one, three and four while Carlo Caranyagan drew with Carl Mico Villanueva on board two to seal the pennant for the Chiefs with 26.5 points.

San Beda blanked Emilio Aguinaldo on wins by National Master Alcon John Datu, Bryan Barcelon, Renato Cruz, Jr. and Christian David Luchina but still fell half a point behind Arellano U with 26 points.

The Chiefs could clinch the title if they could top the second round, which uses a single-round robin format among themselves, the Lions and College of St. Benilde and Lyceum of the Philippines U, which wound up third and fourth after the first round with 24.5 points apiece.

Otherwise, Arellano U will play the winner of the four-team second round for this year's chess title.

"Our hard work and preparation are praying off," said Arellano coach NM Rudy Ibanez.

In the juniors' side, San Beda smashed EAC, 4-0, to snare the first round pennant with 28.5, 1.5 points ahead of Letran.

Also making it through the second round in the high school section were San Sebastian and LPU with 26 and 24 points, respectively.