Far Eastern University-Diliman boys and girls teams moved on the cusp of a golden double after beating University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 85 High School Chess Championships, Saturday at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila.
Ruelle Canino [5/5] nabbed her 5th win in as many season matches after defeating Marjeri Janapin [1.5/5] in Board 3 to spearhead the Baby Tamaraws’ 3-1 conquest of the Junior Tigresses.
Mhage Sebastian [4.5/5] and Samantha Umayan [2/3] also took care of Ferrose Rafailes [0/4] and Christine Tabungar [3/5] in Board 1 and 4 to complete FEU-D’s triumphant Round 5.
Precious Yecla [3/5] avoided a shutout loss after taking down FEU-D’s April Joy Claros [2/4] in Board 2.
Nazareth School of National University stayed within striking distance of the championship after posting a 3.5-0.5 win over also-ran Adamson University.
Julaine Adriano [3/5], Alphecca Gonzales [3/5], and Yana De Vera [2/4] all scored wins in their respective board assignments across Mariane Flora [0/2], God Grace Morales [0/4] and Flora Isabedra [0/5], respectively.
Ma. Elayza Villa [4/5] then settled for a deuce with Adamson’s Ma. Christina Samarita [2/5] to complete NSNU’s rampage.
In the boys’ division, FEU-D broke the tie with Adamson after a 3.5-0.5 beatdown of UST.
They now have a half a point lead over their closes pursuer courtesy of wins from Christian Olaybal [5/6] (Board 1), Lemmuel Adena [4/5] (Board 3), Cyrus Damiray [5/5] (Board 4) who dispatched Karlycris Clarito Jr. [5/7], Francis Magpily [2/7] and Ronald Dableo II [3/7], respectively.
Emcel Gadut [4.5/7] was the lone scorer for UST after salvaging a draw in Board 2 against Franklin Andes [5/7].
Meanwhile, Adamson posted a 3-1 blast of Ateneo to arrange a winner-take-all final round across FEU-D.
Janmyl Tisado [5/7], Joshua Roque [6/7], and John Rocel Simon [6/7] all scored wins over Liam Batnag [0.5/7], Raiz Roxas [2/7], and Gian Alingog [2/4] in Boards 1,2, and 3 respectively.
Bryan Magugat [3/4] provided the bright spot for Ateneo as he concluded their season with a win in Board 4 against Dustin Herrero [4.5/7].
The last round for both boys’ and girls’ divisions is scheduled for Saturday, December 17.
