National University–Nazareth School maintained its impressive form with a dominant 4-0 victory over De La Salle Zobel at the midpoint of the UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Chess Tournament on Wednesday at the Adamson Gym.
The Jhocson-based squad stayed atop the girls’ division standings after five rounds, amassing 10 match points from five straight wins. Defending champion Far Eastern University–Diliman remained close behind in second place with eight match points.
For NUNS head coach Roel Abelgas, the focus remains on consistency and composure rather than the standings.
“Hindi naman namin iniisip masyado kung top seed o ano man ang standing. Ang focus lang talaga namin bago magsimula ang season ay maglaro nang maayos bawat round at ma-execute yung mga pinaghirapan namin sa training. Siyempre, blessing na po maganda yung resulta sa first round, pero hindi ibig sabihin tapos na ang trabaho,” he said.
“Ngayon na nasa second stage na at kami ang nasa taas ng standings, mas kailangan naming doblehin yung effort at consistency. Alam naming lahat ng teams gustong makahabol, kaya importante na manatiling gutom at hindi maging kampante. One game at a time pa rin ang mindset namin. Bawat laban, parang panibagong simula.”
On Wednesday, Sara Dalagan (5/5) scored her fifth straight win with a 34-move mate over Sarah Cabodil (1/2) on Board 1.
Fellow NUNS standout Ryien Bahita (4/5) registered her fourth win in five matches by defeating Jeslyn Santos (0/5) on Board 2 after 45 moves of a Slav Defense: Modern Line while playing the white pieces.
Kayla Aurelio (4/5) secured a 26-move mate against Alexa Enas (0/3) on Board 3, while Joella Conjurado (1/2) claimed a 27-move victory over Xophie Holgado (0/3) on Board 4.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In the boys’ division, University of Santo Tomas survived a tough challenge against Adamson University, winning 3-1 to maintain the top spot with 10 match points.
Arena International Master Gabriel Paradero (3/4) saved a potentially losing position for the Junior Male Woodpushers, finding a perpetual check to force a draw against Bryce Bayani (0.5/3) after 57 moves.
King Lanz Pamplona (1.5/3) followed with a 58-move checkmate over Adamson’s Allan Dolfo (1.5/3) on Board 2. Jian Carlo Rivera (2.5/3) displayed endgame brilliance on Board 4, defeating Jian Bautista (1.5/4) after 95 moves of a rook endgame.
John Cyrus Borce (1.5/2) sealed the win with a draw against Jonver Acosta (1.5/3) on Board 3.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Defending boys’ champions FEU–Diliman also secured a crucial 4-0 sweep of Ateneo High School to stay close behind UST in second place.
Gladimir Romero (3/4), Arena Candidate Master Joemel Narzabal (2.5/4), King Beltran (2/3), and Ralz Devibar (2/2) each earned full points as the Baby Tamaraws improved to six match points.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Their counterparts in the girls’ division also remained second after a 4-0 win over Adamson.
Woman FIDE Master and national team mainstay Ruelle Canino (4/5) scored her fourth consecutive victory on the top board, while Lyn Getubig (3.5/4) preserved her undefeated streak on Board 3 to lead the Diliman-based squad.
UST also registered an impressive 4-0 sweep of Ateneo to take solo third in the girls’ division.
Round 6 for both divisions is scheduled for Saturday, October 11.
