Arellano tops NCAA chess first round

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Arellano University downed Perpetual Help, 3.5-0.5, to clinch the first round pennant in seniors’ chess competitions 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 while Carlo Caranyagan drew with Carl Mico Villanueva on board two to seal the victory 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 fell short of its pennant bid with 26 points.

Another win in the second round will automatically net the Chiefs the championship.

College of St. Benilde and Lyceum of the Philippines U finished the first round with 24.5 points apiece.

“Our hard work and preparation are paying off,” said Arellano coach NM Rudy Ibañez.

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 to the second round in the high school section were San Sebastian and LPU with 26 and 24 points, respectively.