San Sebastian wrests NCAA Junior Chess lead

Team Standings after Round 12:

(Juniors division)

38.5 points---San Sebastian College-Recoletos
36.5 points--- Colegio San Juan de Letran
31.0 points---CSB-De La Salle Greenhills
25.5 points--- San Beda College
22.0 points---University of Perpetual Help Dalta System
15.0 points---Emilio Aguinaldo College
13.5 points--- Mapua Institute of Technology
7.0 points--- Jose Rizal University
3.0---Arellano University

LAST YEAR’S runner-up San Sebastian College-Recoletos stamped its class on Emilio Aguinaldo College, 3.5-0.5, over the weekend to gain control of the 8th NCAA chess team championships junior division held at the Cyberzone of SM Manila.

Despite a draw with top board player Aldous Roy Coronel against Drexter Saquilan, the Mendiola-based school had accumulated 38.5 points, two points ahead over defending champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran with 36.5 points after a 2-2 stand off over La Salle Greenhills after the 12th round action.

Arvie Jongko, John Mark Dimaliwat and Anfernee Bonficaio carry the fight for the Staglets by beating EAC’s Clinton Verano, Jerome Mabanag and Biencerlo Villa, on Board 2 to 4, respectively.

“Nais namin makuha ang top two spot after the preliminary round para may twice to beat advantage kami sa cross-over semifinal round,” said SSS-R head coach NM Homer Cunanan, who honed the skills of GM Darwin Laylo and GM-elect Ronald Dableo.

According to chief arbiter IA/NM Elias Lao, the top two teams after the preliminary round will advance to the cross-over semi-final round with a twice to beat advantage.

In other matches saw, San Beda College blanked Arellano University, 4-0, as well University of Perpetual Help Dalta System routed Jose Rizal University, 4-0.

Mapua Institute of Technology, meanwhile took a bye in the 12th round.

In the Senior Division, defending champion College of St. Benilde walloped Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 4-0, to keep its hold of the top spot with 32.0 points.

Action will resume this weekend (Saturday and Sunday), 1:30 pm at the same venue. Marlon Bernardino.