MANILA – San Beda University and Lyceum of the Philippines University beat their respective rivals Thursday to forge a title showdown in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Season 100 senior chess tournament at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.
San Beda held Jose Rizal University to a 2-2 draw but won the match for having a better tiebreak score from the victory of Johann Cedrick Gaddi on board three.
Lyceum, on the other hand, dethroned the University of Perpetual Help, 2.5-1.5, after Jorge Delgado Jr. won on board four.
The Red Lions and the Pirates will face off in a one-game finale on Friday.
Meanwhile, Lyceum banked on top two board players Gio Troy Ventura and Cyrus James Damiray to beat Arellano University, 3-1, and secure the first final ticket.
The Junior Pirates will face the winner between the Mapua Junior Cardinals and San Beda Red Cubs.
John Martin Firmalino (board two) and Jan Renzo Ochave (board four) triumphed as Mapua pulled off a 2.5-1.5 victory over top seed San Beda to force a playoff for the second championship berth. (PNA/ Jean Malanum)