LETRAN, SSC IN GOOD START OF 85TH SEASON NCAA CHESS

DEFENDING champion Colegio San Juan de Letran blasted Arellano University, 4-0, to open their retention title bid at the start of the Junior division 85th season of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Saturday at the ground floor Cyberzone area of SM City, Manila. This year’s theme is “Winning drive @85”.

Jan Jodilyn Fronda made short work over Yum Oliver Reyes in just 26 moves of a French Defense on Board 1, Cherry Ann Mejia nipped John Sychanco after 18 pushes of Queens Gambit Accepted on Board 2, Mikee Charlene Suede clobbered Earl Buenaventura after 24 moves of Center Counter on Board3 and Christian Dave Cabida outplayed Alec Jade Padua after 23 moves of Alapin Game to complete a shut-out victory.

San Sebastian College-Recoletos also post 4-0 victory against Jose Rizal University to match Letran’s impressive performance.

The Staglet banked on the service of Aldous Roy Coronel who beat Christopher Esmundo ( 12 caro kann), Arvie Jongko who crushed Patrick Cuevas (44 caro kann), Kristan Cristobal who dealt Ferdinand Mapili (22 English Opening) and John Mark Dimaliwat who waylaid Jaynel Pasia (42 Queens Pawn Game).

“Mahirap pang magsalita pero target naming ng team ko na mag champion this year sa NCAA. Medyo maganda naman ang simula ng junior at senior hope mahawakan nila ang momentum,” said multi-titled coach NM Homer Cunanan, who honed the skills of GMs Darwin Laylo and Ronald Dableo, among others.

In other matches saw, Mapua Institute of Technology held into a draw with Emilio Aguinaldo College, 2-2, as well San Beda College halved the point with University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, 2-2.

In the Senior division, Colegio San Juan de Letran and San Sebastian College-Recoletos opener their bid in a bright note.

Letran blanked Arellano University, 4-0, while San Sebastian crushed JRU, 3-1. Emilio Aguinaldo College pulled the biggest upset so far with a 3-1 victory over MIT.

San Beda College ended their game with a 2-2 fighting draw over University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, 2-2.

College of St. Benilde and CSB-LSGH took a bye in the first round. Chief arbiter is IA/NM Elias Lao.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO