SAN Beda University edged College of St. Benilde, 2.5-1.5, in the ninth and final round to go into the Final Four as the top seed in NCAA Season 100 Chess at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay yesterday.
Gal Brien Palasige provided the lone win of the match at board four as the top three boards ended in draws to end the nine-round elimination with a league-best 28 points, a full three points ahead of No. 2 Lyceum of the Philippines University’s.
The Pirates took the second seeding with 25 points after a 3.5-.5 rout of the Mapua Cardinals with Jeremy Marticio, Jacintlouie Lumangcas and Fredie Casabuena at the first three boards.
Boasting a twice-to-beat edge, San Beda and LPU will try to arrange a knockout title showdown against University of Perpetual Help and Jose Rizal U, respectively.
The Altas blanked the San Sebastian Stags, 4-0, to claim No. 3 with 23.5 points while the Bombers edged the Arellano U Chiefs, 2.5-1.5, to wind up at No. 4 with 22.5 points.
The semis was being played at press time while the finals was set either today or tomorrow.
