Far Eastern University handed defending champion University of Santo Tomas its first loss in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Chess Tournament with an impressive 2.5-1.5 victory on Wednesday at the Adamson Gym.
Despite the setback, UST remained on top with eight match points, while the Morayta-based squad claimed solo second with seven match points after five rounds of action.
“Actually para samin miracle din to dahil defending champion yung tinalo namin. Meron kumbagang swertihan talaga,” said FEU coach and Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.
“Malayo pa rin ang kailangan namin lakbayin kasi kakalabanin pa namin sila sa Sabado. We need to win again kasi right now we are trailing behind in match points. Lamang kasi sila sa amin ng one point pa rin. Kung talaga gusto naming mag-champion, kami gagawa ng pagkapanalo.”
Rookie National Master Oscar Cantela (1/3) delivered the decisive point for FEU on Board 3, outmaneuvering the previously undefeated Lee Roi Palma (3.5/5) in 43 moves of a Queen’s Gambit Declined while playing the black pieces.
On Board 4, Christian Olaybal (2.5/4) secured FEU’s second win after forcing Jan Clifford Labog (0/3) to resign on the 35th move following a decisive mating attack.
FIDE Master Mark Bacojo (3/5) then ensured the Tamaraws’ triumph by holding undefeated FIDE Master Mark Daluz (4/5) to a draw on the top board. Meanwhile, Jerish John Velarde (2/3) suffered his first loss of the season against UST’s Chester Reyes (4.5/5) on Board 2.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In the women’s division, De La Salle University maintained its lead with a dominant 4-0 sweep of University of the Philippines, boosting its total to 11 match points after seven rounds.
Heart Padilla (3/4) led the way for La Salle, remaining undefeated in four matches with a rousing victory over Katherine Tundag (0/3) after 34 moves of the Philidor Defense on Board 4.
Rinoa Sadey (4.5/6) also bounced back from last round’s loss, claiming victory on Board 3 after 50 moves of a Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Dragon Variation against Maryss Caldoza (3/6).
Juzeia Agne (2/3) and Woman National Master Francois Magpily (3.5/6) sealed the sweep with wins over Rizzalyn Santos (0/4) and Raiza Locmayoan (1.5/6) on Boards 1 and 2, respectively.
National University kept pace with De La Salle, remaining in second with 11 match points after a convincing 3-1 win over Adamson University.
Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy (6/6) continued her flawless run with a sixth straight victory, while Jersey Marticio (4.5/6) and Yana De Vera (1/2) added points to secure NU’s win.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Defending champion FEU also delivered a near-shutout 3.5-0.5 win over UST to claim third place with eight match points.
Woman FIDE Master April Joy Carlos (2.5/3) and Franchesca Largo (5.5/6) preserved their unbeaten records with wins on Boards 2 and 3, spearheading FEU’s comeback.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In other men’s division matches, University of the Philippines upset Ateneo, 2.5-1.5, with victories from Arena Grandmaster Io Calica (4/5) and Daniel Tagufa (4/5) on Boards 2 and 3, respectively, taking solo third with six match points.
De La Salle also earned its first win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over Adamson.
Round 6 of the men’s division and Round 8 of the women’s division are both scheduled for Saturday, October 11.
