National University Nazareth School stole the spotlight on opening day of the UAAP Season 88 High School Chess Championship, pulling off a thrilling 2.5-1.5 upset over defending champion Far Eastern University at the Adamson Gym on Sunday.
The stunning result was headlined by Sara Dalagan’s (1/1) 53-move masterpiece against national team mainstay and Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino (0/1) on the top board.
Dalagan capitalized on Canino’s 14th-move blunder with a knight sacrifice, eventually converting her advantage into a decisive passed pawn for the victory.
“Record po sa’min yung manalo ngayon kasi team effort eh. Ang tagal naming nag-prepare para dito. Yung mga bata ang laking oras yung sinakripisyo eh,” said NUNS coach and FIDE Master Roel Abelgas, who hailed the victory as a breakthrough against the powerhouse FEU squad that swept last season.
“FEU kasi, sila yung strongest team ngayon diyan sa high school eh. Ngayon, natalo namin sila. Tingin ko may chance na kami (na mag-champion) pero depende pa rin kung ano yung mangyayari sa mga next matches,” he added.
NUNS also leaned on Arena FIDE Master Ryien Bahita (1/1), who scored over Franiel Magpily (0/1). Meanwhile, Kayla Aurelio (0.5/1) split the point with Ericka Oridizo (0.5/1) to complete the Bulldogs’ triumphant debut.
On the other hand, University of Santo Tomas emerged as the overall day leader after a near-sweep in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Junior Lady Woodpushers dominated De La Salle Zobel with a 4-0 shutout, while the Junior Male Woodpushers overpowered Ateneo High School, 3-1.
In the boys’ side, Jude Dableo (1/1) and Sumer Oncita (1/1) delivered victories over Jose Pio Caro (0/1) and Aidan Mejia (0/1), as Arena International Master Gabriel Paradero took a win by default on the top board.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For the girls, Trina Temple (1/1), Angel Po (1/1), Kara Meneses (1/1), and Mecel Gadut (1/1) all secured wins against Francesca Icay (0/1), Jeslyn Santos (0/1), Alexa Enas (0/1), and Xephi Holgado (0/1), respectively, to underscore UST’s dominance.
Adamson University also made noise with a double victory, as the Lady Baby Falcons debuted with a 3-1 win over Ateneo, then repeated the feat on the boys’ side.
Jonver Acosta (1/1), Jian Bautista (1/1), and Ashton Karl Fatkin (1/1) took down La Salle’s Santino Edralin (0/1), Gian Caguiat (0/1), and Kevin Dominguez (0/1).
National Master Tyrhone Tabernilla (1/1) provided the lone bright spot for La Salle with a win against Bryce Bayani (0/1).
Defending boys’ division champion FEU sat out with a bye on opening day.
