University of Santo Tomas wasted no time making its presence felt, racking up wins to seize the top spot in both the men’s and women’s divisions at the conclusion of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Chess Tournament’s opening day on Sunday at the Adamson Gym.
The Lady Woodpushers opened the floodgates with a 3-1 stunner over the University of the Philippines before following it up with a statement 3.5-0.5 victory against Ateneo de Manila University.
Standing at four match points after two rounds, UST is firmly ahead of the pack, much to the delight of coach Ronald Dableo.
“Malaking bagay yung panalo dahil kumbaga, hindi kami mapressure na naghahabulan kami sa standings. Malaking factor yan na panalo. Isustain na lang,” he said.
Precious Yecla (Board 1) and Josemier Panol (Board 2) set the tone for UST by earning two wins apiece, while Jamaica Lagio contributed 1.5 points with a win and a draw.
In the men’s division, FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz (1/1) showcased his brilliance by outmaneuvering Angele Biete (0/1) after 89 moves in a rook endgame, leading UST to a 3-1 thrashing of La Salle.
“Maingat eh. Very slim yung chance niya manalo dun sa laro pero ginrind lang niya nang ginrind yung posisyon eh,” said Dableo of Daluz’s debut performance.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UP also had a strong opening day, dominating Adamson University 3-1 to keep pace with UST atop the standings.
Io Calica (Board 2) and Roderenz Adra (Board 4), combined with rookie Daniel Tagufa (Board 3), racked up three wins against Joshua Roque, Dustin Herrero, and Robert Palisoc, respectively.
Far Eastern University and Ateneo closed out the men’s division opening day with a 2-2 draw.
Meanwhile, National University made a dramatic debut, pulling off a 2.5-1.5 upset win over defending champion FEU in the women’s division.
Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy (1/1) and Jersey Marticio (1/1) toppled Woman FIDE Master Mhage Sebastian (1/2) and Samantha Umayan (1/2) on Boards 1 and 2, respectively. Jelaine Adriano (0.5/1) then held Francesca Largo (1.5/2) to a draw to secure NU’s victory.
Despite the loss, FEU remained in second place thanks to a 3.5-0.5 walloping of Adamson in an earlier round.
La Salle also broke into the win column earlier in the day, defeating Ateneo 2.5-1.5.
Rinoa Sadey (1/1) and Heart Padilla (1/1) secured victories over Ma. Elayza Villa (0.5/2) and Alphecca Gonzales (0/2) on Boards 2 and 3, respectively.
UP, which lost earlier to UST, salvaged a 2-2 draw with Adamson in the other women’s match to earn its first match point of the tournament.
