SSC Stags pace NCAA chess

Host San Sebastian grabbed maximum points in its first two matches to take the early lead in the seniors division, even as Emilio Aguinaldo College emerged surprise leader in the juniors category of the 86th NCAA chess tournament at the SM Manila

Jayson Mercado, John Albert Bongon, Alexis Maribao and Nigel Valenzuela swept their weekend matches as the Stags posted an unblemished record of eight points.

In juniors’ play, EAC set the pace with seven points, with reigning titlist San Sebastian a point behind.

The Brigadiers shut out San Beda, 4-0, and toppled Perpetual Help, 3-1, with Dexter Saquilayan, Clinton Verano and Keith Mabanag delivering two wins on boards one, two and four, respectively.

San Sebastian walloped Jose Rizal, 4-0, in the first round but got stalled by Arellano U, which held the Staglets to a 2-2 draw.

St. Benilde, the 2008 seniors champion, racked up six points for second place, while Mapua is in third with 5.5 points.