Day 1 of the NCAA Season 101 Chess Tournament kicked off on the afternoon of November 8 at the Pearl Manila Hotel, featuring matches in both the Juniors and Seniors divisions.
San Beda Red Lions Aims for Another Title in Seniors Division
The LPU Pirates announced their intentions early with a clean sweep against the Arellano Chiefs, securing a flawless 4-0 victory.
With seasoned NCAA veterans leading the way, the Pirates’ disciplined strategy and sharp execution made them the early frontrunners of the tournament.
Close behind, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) posted an impressive 3.5-0.5 win over the San Sebastian Stags. Players on Boards 1, 3, and 4 delivered decisive points, ensuring a solid start to their campaign.
The San Beda Red Lions, defending champions, overcame the Letran Knights with a 3-1 triumph. The only blemish came on Board 4, where the Knights managed to earn a point. Similarly, the College of Saint Benilde Blazers dispatched the EAC Generals 3-1, though they also suffered a setback on their fourth board.
The JRU Bombers and Mapua Cardinals clashed in a tightly contested encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw. Both squads struggled with the white pieces, balancing victories and losses across the boards.
Juniors Division: Four-Way Tie at the Top
In the Junior division, the opening round resulted in a four-way tie, with the SBU Red Cubs, Perpetual Junior Altas, EAC Brigadiers, and Mapua Red Robins each accumulating three points.
The Red Cubs dominated the Letran Squires, winning 3-1 as they penetrated the rookie squad’s defenses, with the Squires managing only a single board victory. The Junior Altas followed closely, securing a 3-1 win against the San Sebastian Staglets. They controlled Boards 1 through 3, with only Board 4 posing a challenge.
The Brigadiers and Red Robins also made their presence felt, earning wins over the LSGH Greenies and JRU Light Bombers, respectively, completing the top four teams in the standings.
Meanwhile, the LPU Junior Pirates edged past the Arellano Braves 2.5-1.5, pulling off a breakthrough on Board 4 to claim their opening win.
Action Continues After Postponed Games due to Typhoon Uwan
As the season progresses, upsets, clutch victories, and strategic battles are expected to continue across both divisions.
Day 2, scheduled on November 9, was postponed due to the heavy rain brought by Super Typhoon Uwan to the country.
Fans can follow all updates, scores, and match recaps on the NCAA Philippines website and social media platforms to stay on top of the tournament’s unfolding drama.
