Far Eastern University seized control of both the men’s and women’s divisions after scoring resounding victories in Round 2 of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Chess Championships on Sunday at the BGPOP Building of the University of Santo Tomas’ Manila campus.
The Tamaraws cruised to a commanding 4-0 sweep of Adamson University, led by International Master Mark Jay Bacojo [1.5/2.0], who capitalized on John Rocel Simon’s [0.5/2.0] 23rd-move inaccuracy to gain a piece advantage before prevailing in a rook-versus-bishop endgame on the top board.
The victory propelled FEU into a three-way tie atop the standings with Ateneo de Manila University and five-time defending champion UST, with all three teams carrying three match points after two rounds. The Tamaraws, however, provisionally occupy first place by virtue of their superior board-point tiebreak.
On Board 2, National Master Oscar Cantela [1.5/2.0] complemented Bacojo’s performance by forcing checkmate on the 47th move against National Master Michael Jan Inigo [1.0/2.0].
FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri [1.0/2.0] also bounced back from his opening-round setback with a victory over Joshua Roque [1.0/2.0] on Board 3, while National Master Jerish John Velarde remained perfect at [2.0/2.0] after defeating Juncin Estrella [0.5/2.0] to complete the sweep.
The Morayta-based squad also continued its dominance in the women’s division with a lopsided 3-1 victory over Adamson, emerging as the opening-week leader with four match points. FEU took the top spot over the University of the Philippines, which also collected four match points after two rounds, by virtue of a superior tiebreak.
Woman International Master Ruelle Canino [2.0/2.0] sustained her perfect start after defeating Elaine Grace Antonio [0.0/1.0] in just 37 moves on Board 1 while playing the Queen’s Gambit Declined with the black pieces.
On Board 3, Woman FIDE Master Franchesca Largo [2.0/2.0] likewise remained spotless following her victory over Janna Alindogan [0.0/1.0], while Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian [1.5/2.0] added another full point for FEU after prevailing over Christina Samarita [0.0/1.0] on Board 2.
Lira Placer [1.0/1.0] accounted for Adamson’s lone victory after defeating Samantha Umayan [0.0/1.0] on Board 4.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
In the other men’s division matchups, UST handed opening-round leader De La Salle University its first defeat of the season after eking out a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory.
Chester Reyes [1.5/2.0] delivered the decisive full point for the defending champions on Board 2 after defeating National Master Karlycris Clarito Jr. [0.0/1.0].
Lee Roi Palma [1.0/2.0], National Master Jan Clifford Labog [1.5/2.0], and FIDE Master Carl Daluz [0.5/1.0] then settled for draws against National Master Tenshi Biete [1.5/2.0], FIDE Master Jethro Aquino [1.5/2.0], and Rigil Kent Pahamtang [1.5/2.0], respectively, to complete UST’s first victory of the season.
Ateneo likewise climbed into a share of the lead after dispatching UP, 3-1, spearheaded by undefeated Cedric Abris [2.0/2.0], who defeated Cyrus Francisco [0.0/2.0] on Board 2.
Eowyn Jullado [1.0/1.0] and Ritchie Abeleda [1.5/2.0] added victories over Io Calica [0.0/2.0] and Rodernerz Adra [0.0/2.0], respectively, while Daniel Tagufa [1.0/2.0] supplied UP’s lone point after defeating National Master Tyrhone Tabernilla [0.0/2.0] on Board 3.
Over in the remaining women’s matches, UP kept pace with FEU after following up its opening-round upset of defending champion National University with another statement victory, stunning UST, 3-1.
Woman National Master Jerlyn San Diego [2.0/2.0] and Maryss Caldoza [2.0/2.0] remained perfect after defeating Precious Day Yecla [0.5/2.0] and Trina Temple [1.0/2.0] on Boards 1 and 4, respectively.
On Board 3, Woman National Master Antonella Racasa [1.5/2.0] defeated Christine Tabungar [0.0/1.0] to complete the Fighting Maroons’ 3-1 victory, while Raiza Mae Locmayaoan [0.0/2.0] succumbed to Woman National Master Daren Dela Cruz [1.5/2.0] on Board 2.
La Salle, meanwhile, barged into the win column in emphatic fashion after dismantling Ateneo, 3.5-0.5.
Lovely Ann Geraldino [1.5/2.0], Juzeia Marielle Agne [1.0/2.0], and Checy Telesforo [1.0/2.0] scored full points for the Taft-based squad against Francine Magpily [0.5/2.0], Alphecca Gonzales [0.0/2.0], and Yzabell Nabor [0.5/2.0] on Boards 2, 3, and 4, respectively.
Woman National Master Heart Padilla [0.5/2.0], meanwhile, split the point with Ateneo’s Ma. Elayza Villa [1.0/2.0] on the top board.
Round 3 of the women’s division is set for Thursday, October 8, at 8:30 a.m. at the same venue, while Round 3 of the men’s division resumes on Sunday, October 11.
