Benildean woodpusher John Michael Magpily will advance to the quarterfinals after defeating University of Perpetual Help System Dalta's Genesis Mateo Borromeo in the NCAA 96 online chess tournament earlier today, July 21, on GMA’s GTV channel.

After Magpily showcased a strong opening and formidable defense, he advanced to the quarterfinals of the online chess tournament.

Each participating school in the NCAA’s online chess tournament is allowed to register three participants, with all games being hosted and played on the Lichess.org website.

The elimination round winners will advance to the Round of 16, while the top eight players head straight to the quarterfinals. The quarter finalists will then advance to the semifinals, with the top four players facing one another in the finals. Meanwhile, the series' losers will compete for the bronze finish.

The elimination round games will last for 10 minutes, while the semifinals and battle for third place will last for 15 minutes. However, in the final match, each competitor will have 20 minutes to play.

The Blazers will continue to compete in the online chess tournament tomorrow, July 22, at 3:00 p.m. via GTV.

Among the other elimination round winners are as follows:

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde: Adrian Othniel Yulo

Mapúa University: Stephen Von Estavillo, John Paolo Gaspar Medina, and Christian Roche Thompson

Lyceum of the Philippines University: Neymark Digno and Adrian Basil Basilgo

Arellano University: Carl Jaedrianne Ancheta 

Emilio Aguinaldo College: John Dominic Santos

Colegio de San Juan de Letrán: Joshua Berdadero and Nel Richmond Miranda

Jose Rizal University: Avel Louise Baldovia

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta: Carl Zirez Sato and Romeo Canino