Adamson University and Far Eastern University – Diliman remain in a neck-and-neck race to the UAAP Season 85 Boy’s Chess Championships after scoring separate 4-0 shutouts wins in Round 8, Thursday at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila.
Adamson and FEU-D stay on top of the Boy’s standings with 18 points apiece.
The Junior Falcons swept De La Salle – Zobel led by Janmyl Tisado’s [4/6] victory with the black pieces in Board 1 across Paolo De Vera [0/4].
Joshua Roque [5/6], John Rocel Simon [5/6], and Dustin Herrero [4.5/6] also took care of Tyrhhone Tabernilla [3/7], Michael Dogelio 0/6] and Nathan Navarro [0/6] in Boards 2, 3, and 4 respectively.
Christian Olaybal [4/5], on the other hand, spearheaded FEU-D’s 4-0 conquest of Ateneo High School after dispatching Liam Batnag [0.5/6] in Board 1.
Franklin Andes [4.5/6], Lemmuel Adena [3/4], and Arena Fide Master Ritchie Abeleda [3/3] completed the sweep with victories over Gian Alingog [2/6], Bryan Magugat [2/3], and Brently Que [0/1] in Boards 2, 3 and 4 respectively.
On the distaff side, FEU-D opened their second half season campaign with a dominant 4-0 outing against Adamson girls.
Ruelle Canino [4/4] (Board 2) remained perfect with her 4th victory in as many matches against Ma. Christina Samarita [1.5/4] to pilot FEU-D’s romp complemented by sibling Rhea Jean Canino’s [2/2] win over Christen Reyes [0/4] in Board 3.
Mhage Sebastian [3.5/4] and Kate Ordizo [1/1] also scored wins against Mariane Flora [0/1] and Florence Isabedra [0/4] to help the Lady Tamaraws hold on to the top spot.
Meanwhile, Nazareth School of National University survived a tight 2.5-1.5 contest over third-running University of Sto. Tomas to keep their championship hopes alive.
Jelaine Adriano [2/4] and Alphecca Gonzales [2/4] scored the wins for NU while both playing the black pieces against Precious Yecla [2/4] and Christine Tabungar [3/4] in Boards 1 and 3, respectively.
Ma. Elayza Villa [3.5/4] settled for a draw in Board 2 against Marjeri Janapin 1.5/4] to secure NU’s win as Yana De Vera [1/3] fell to UST’s Francheska Rafailes [1/1] in Board 4.
Round 9 for the boy’s division and Round 5 for the girl’s division is scheduled on Sunday, December 11.