University of Perpetual Help routed Emilio Aguinaldo College, 3-1, over the weekend to lead the march to the semifinals of NCAA Season 99 chess at the Letran campus in Intramuros, Manila.

Genesis Borromeo, Romeo Canino and Carl Zitex Sato won their games on boards one, three and four, respectively, to finish on top after the nine-round elimination with 28.5 points.

The lone casualty of the round for UPHSD was Ronald Canino to Set Canasta on the second board.

The Altas, coached by FIDE Master Roel Abelgas, thus set up a semis showdown with the Jose Rizal University Bombers, mentored by FM Nelson Mariano III who downed the Arellano U Chiefs, 3-1, to claim the fourth and last slot with 19.5 points.

Noel Geronimo, Joseph Lawrence Rivera and Christine Joy Amata delivered the wins on the second to fourth boards with James Michael Erese providing AU’s lone triumph on top board.
San Beda, which smashed Letran, 3.5-.5, took No. 2 with 25 points while defending champion Lyceum of the Philippines U, which blanked San Sebastian, 4-0, grabbed No. 3 with 24.5 points that forged their semis duel at press time.

UPHSD is eyeing its second seniors’ title after reigning supreme four years ago before the pandemic.

In the juniors’ section, LPU flattened SSC-R, 3-1, on triumphs by Gio Troy Ventura, Ariel Santander and Eowyn Jullado in the ninth and final round to go into the semis as the top seed with 25 points.

The Junior Pirates were tackling the San Beda Cubs, who wound up at No. 4 with 16.5 points.

UPHSD drew with EAC, 2-2, to snare No. 2 with 22 points while AU bested JRU, 3-1, to capture No. 3 with 19 points in arranging their semis match.

The Finals are set next week.