MANILA – Despite a poor showing of its men’s basketball team, College of St. Benilde scored a pair of 4-0 wins over Jose Rizal University to top both divisions in the first round of the 86th NCAA chess tournament.
Leading the cause for the Blazers are Jerson Bitoon, Narquinden Reyes, Narquingel Reyes and Jessie Abucejo to finish with 28 points, now 2.5 points ahead of defending champion Letran.
Reigning MVP Chester Brian Guerrero, Ivan Gil Biag and Benjamin Lising won their matches on boards one to three while Jesus Alfonso Datu settled for a draw with John de Leon on board four to complete a 3.5-.5 win over Arellano University to end second with 25.5 points. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)