Arellano chessers cop second straight NCAA crown

MANILA, Philippines - Arellano University clinched its second straight NCAA seniors title by edging Lyceum of the Philippines U in a tiebreak over the weekend at the PSC Building.

Kyz Llantada defeated Jan Mirano on top board to force a 2-2 draw but his win proved to be decisive as it broke the deadlock, sealing the Chiefs ‘ back-to-back chess championships.

Tyrone delos Santos provided the other point for the Rudy Ibañez-mentored Arellano side on board three and was later adjudged Most Valuable Player.

“Our hardwork paid off. The players prayed and worked hard just to retain the champinship,” said Ibañez.

San Beda secured its first ever juniors crown by sweeping both rounds it capped with a 2.5-1.5 win.

Cub John Philip Oncita took the high school MVP plum.

LPU took three of the six gold medals at stake with Jonathan Jota (board 4), Romulo Glorioso (board 5) and Walt Allen Talan (board 6), while Arellano’s Don Tyrone Delos Santos topped board 4.

San Beda’s Alcon John Datu and Letran’s Melwyn Kenneth Baltazar also captured golds in boards 2 and 1, respectively.  Ibañez was Coach of the Year.

Other high school gold medalists were Julius Gonzales of CSB-La Salle Greenhills (board 1), Eric Robert Yap of Letran (board 2), Gabriel Angelo Galpo of LPU (board 5) and Kurt Jansen Dullon of Jose Rizal U  (board 6).