College of Saint Benilde solidified its hold on the top spot in the seniors' division of the 95th NCAA chess tournament over the weekend at San Beda University.
Prior to taking a Round 8 bye Sunday, the defending champion Blazers blanked Jose Rizal University, 4-0, Saturday to collect 23.5 points.
Behind St. Benilde is second-running San Beda, which defeated University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 2.5-1.5, and Letran, 3-1, in succession for 22 points.
The Altas, who battled to a 2-2 Round 8 stalemate with Arellano University, now sit in third place with 16.5 points.
Juniors' titleholder Perpetual Help remained in the lead with an eight-round total 25.5 points after besting San Beda, 2.5-1.5 and Arellano, 3-1.
The Junior Red Woodpushers rebounded from a Round 7 loss to the Junior Altas with a 3-1 conquest of the Squires to stay in second place with 23.5 points.
Lyceum of the Philippines University, which turned back Letran, 3-1, and JRU, 4-0, in succession, rose to 22.5 points in third spot.