University of Sto. Tomas showed chinks in its armor but held off Adamson University, 2.5-1.5, to hold on to the top spot after Round 7 of the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Chess Championships, Sunday at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila.
The Tiger Woodpushers compiled 23 points after seven rounds but second-running University of the Philippines mounted a second round comeback, taking down contenders De La Salle University and Far Eastern University to stay within striking distance at 18 points with three rounds left in the season.
Julius Gonzales (5.5/7) continued to lord over the top board with a 54-move conquest of Adamson’s Vince Arellano (0/5).
Antonio Almodal III (3/3) also gave UST a win after scoring his third straight victory courtesy of a 60-move knight endgame triumph against Arena Fide Master Alfonso Olendo (1.5/5).
Lee Roi Palma (6/7) salvaged a draw in Board 2 across John Frederick Sunga (3/7) after 42 moves of the Guiocco Piano to secure the win for UST even as Mark Reyes (1/2) faltered against Adamson’s Matt Ramos (2/3) via a 58th move mate.
Fide Master Stephen Pangilinan (6/7) led UP’s 4-0 shutout win over Far Eastern University with a win in Board 1 over Hans Ezekiel Olorosisimo (3/6).
In Board 2, Mark James Marcellana (2.5/6) scored a massive upset of National Master John Merill Jacutina (3.5/7) while Jan Daryl Batula (5.5/7) overcame National Master Lorenzo Cantela (4/7) in Board 3.
Joshov Rosarda (2/3) scored his second straight victory with a victory over John Kenneth Gelua (2/3).
Ateneo de Manila University then scored their maiden season win with a 2.5-1.5 win over archrival De La Salle University.
Candidate Master Paul Llanillo (2.5/7) scored a full point in Board 2 with a conquest of La Salle’s Daniel John Lemi (2.5/7).
Christopher Kis-Ing (5/7), Rico Calderon (0.5/4) and Paolo Villa (0.5/3) then settled for draws against Cyril Telesforo (5.5/7), Kris Olvido (1.5/3) and Francis Guimalan (2.5/3), respectively, in Boards 1, 3 and 4, respectively.
Round 8 is scheduled on Thursday, December 8.
