National University overtook idle University of the East with a 3-1 win over Ateneo after the eighth round in the Boys’ Division of the UAAP Season 82 Chess Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Sunday.
Chester Neil Reyes, Mark Gerald Reyes, and Dennis Gutierrez, Jr. delivered the wins on boards one, two and four, respectively, in propelling the Bullpups to the top with 20.5 points.
Cris Angelo Rayos gave the Eaglets their only point with a win over Joseph Lawrence Rivera on board three.
University of the East slipped from No. 1 to No. 2 after drawing bye for the second straight round now with 18.5 points.
But it could be temporary for the Junior Warriors as they will have a one-match edge over the Bullpups going into the final stretch of the tournament and could regain the lead they’ve held from start until the seventh round.
Unheralded Lee Roi Palma has been sensational as he came out of nowhere to string together six straight wins including FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri of defending champion Far Eastern University.
Meanwhile, the Nouri-led Baby Tams were held to an upset 2-2 standoff by La Salle-Zobel that kept the former stranded at No. 3 with 17.5 points.
Girls’ chess took a break Sunday.
