Far Eastern University maintained its lead in both the men’s and women’s divisions after posting identical 2.5-1.5 victories in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Chess Championships on Sunday at the BGPOP Building inside the University of Santo Tomas campus in Manila.
The Tamaraws defeated the University of the Philippines to remain unbeaten through four rounds, collecting six match points and 10.5 board points. They held a narrow advantage over Ateneo de Manila University and defending champion UST, which also had six match points but 10 board points apiece.
International Master Mark Bacojo [3.5/4.0] delivered the decisive point on Board 1, using tricky queen maneuvers to induce an inaccurate reply from Arena Grandmaster Io Calica [1.0/4.0] on the 66th move.
Bacojo capitalized on the misstep to turn a seemingly drawn queen-and-pawn endgame into a victory, securing FEU’s second win of the season.
National Master Oscar Cantela [2.5/4.0], FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri [2.0/4.0], and Lemmuel Jay Adena [0.5/1.0] then drew with Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco [1.5/4.0], Roderenz Adra [0.5/3.0], and Stephen Zane Quinto [1.5/2.0] on Boards 2, 3, and 4, respectively, to complete FEU’s narrow victory.
The Lady Tamaraws likewise extended their lead in the women’s division, improving to 10 match points after defeating National University, 2.5-1.5.
Rookie Woman International Master Ruelle Canino [4.0/5.0] continued her stellar campaign by defeating Jelaine Adriano [0.5/3.0] on Board 1, while Ericka Ordizo [2.5/3.0] remained unbeaten in three matches after overcoming Kyla Dalagan [2.5/4.0] on Board 4.
Woman FIDE Master Franchesca Largo [4.0/5.0] also preserved her unbeaten record, drawing with Sara Dalagan [3.5/5.0] on Board 3 to help seal FEU’s victory.
Unbeaten Jersey Marticio [5.0/5.0] scored NU’s lone win on Board 2, extending her perfect start to five consecutive victories while handing Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian [3.5/5.0] her first defeat.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
In the other men’s division matches, Ateneo kept pace with FEU after defeating De La Salle University, 3-1, to improve to six match points on the strength of its second victory.
Khalil Kis-Ing [1.5/2.0] overcame National Master Tenshi Biete [1.5/4.0] on Board 1, while National Master Cedric Abris [3.5/4.0] remained unbeaten after outmaneuvering National Master Karlycris Clarito Jr. [0.5/3.0] on Board 2.
Ateneo’s National Master Tyrhone Tabernilla [0.5/4.0] earned his first half-point of his rookie season by drawing with FIDE Master Jethro Aquino [2.5/4.0] on Board 3.
Arena FIDE Master Ritchie Abeleda [3.0/4.0] likewise remained unbeaten after splitting the point with Rigil Kent Pahamtang [3.0/4.0] on Board 4.
Defending champion UST also stayed in contention after overpowering Adamson University, 3.5-0.5, to remain unbeaten through four rounds.
UST’s Candidate Master Jan Clifford Labog [3.5/4.0] preserved his unbeaten record with a victory over National Master Michael Jan Inigo [0.0/4.0] on Board 2, while Chester Acuyong [1.0/2.0] defeated Adamson’s Joshua Roque [2.0/4.0] on Board 3.
Carl Daluz [1.5/2.0] added another point for UST by beating Juncin Estrella [0.5/3.0] on Board 4, while Lee Roi Palma [2.0/4.0] drew with John Rocel Simon [1.0/4.0] on the top board.
In the women’s division, Mayrss Caldoza [3.5/5.0] delivered the decisive point for UP against Francine Magpily [1.5/5.0] on Board 4, lifting the Fighting Maroons to a 2.5-1.5 victory over Ateneo.
Woman National Master Jerlyn San Diego [4.5/6.0], Raiza Mae Locmayoan [1.0/5.0], and Woman National Master Antonella Racasa [2.0/5.0] all drew with Ma. Elayza Villa [3.5/5.0], Yzabella Nabor [1.5/5.0], and Alphecca Gonzales [2.0/5.0] on Boards 1, 2, and 3, respectively, to complete UP’s winning effort.
Meanwhile, UST secured its second victory after edging Adamson, 2.5-1.5, to draw level with idle La Salle at five match points.
Woman National Master Daren Dela Cruz [4.0/5.0] and Gabrielle Aton [1.5/2.0] scored victories for UST over Ma. Christina Samarita [1.5/5.0] and Lira Placer [1.0/2.0] on Boards 2 and 4, respectively.
Trina Temple [1.5/4.0] drew with Janna Alindogan [1.0/5.0] on Board 3, while Elaine Grace Antonio [1.0/5.0] recorded her first victory by defeating Precious Day Yecla [1.0/5.0] on the top board.
Round 5 of the men’s division and Round 7 of the women’s division are scheduled for November 7 at the same venue.
