Far Eastern University – Diliman continued to dominate the boys’ and girls’ standings with commanding wins in Round 8 of the UAAP Season 86 High School Chess Championship at the FEU Tech Gym on Sunday.
The Baby Tamaraws secured their fourth 4-0 sweep this season, this time against De La Salle Zobel, bringing them just two points away from clinching the championship.
National Master Franklin Andes [5.5/6] led the way with a convincing victory over National Master Tyrhone Tabernilla [3.5/6] on Board 1, while National Master Jerish Velarde [6/7] and Lemmuel Adena [4/5] each notched a win against Michael Dogelio [0/4] and Paolo De Vera [0/4] on Boards 2 and 3, respectively.
Arena FIDE Master Ritchie Abeleda [2.5/3] completed the sweep with a win over James Karl Vinluan [0.5/4] on Board 4.
University of Santo Tomas remained a close second to the defending champions after handling Ateneo High School with a 3.5-0.5 victory.
National Masters Oshrie Reyes [4/5] and Al-Basher Buto [5/6] secured a full point each against Arena FIDE Masters Marc Fua [1.5/5] and Ronell Co [0/4] on Boards 2 and 3, respectively.
Sumer Oncita’s [2/3] draw with Jose Pio Caro [0.5/4] on Board 4 ensured UST’s win, as National Master Karlycris Clarito [3.5/6] claimed the point “by default” on the top board.
FEU-D only needs a 2-2 draw in its final match against UST to successfully defend its title.
In the Girls’ Division, FEU-D dominated UST, 3-1, securing its fourth straight win and fifth overall.
The Diliman-based squad currently leads the title race with 11 match points.
Women National Masters Ruelle Canino [5/6] and Samantha Umayan [5/5] spearheaded FEU-D’s domination with victories against Precious Yecla [3/7] and Marjeri Janapin [1/4] on Boards 1 and 2, respectively.
Kate Ordizo [3/3] scored FEU-D’s third point against Christine Tabungar [3/5], while Women National Master April Joy Claros [2/5] suffered a defeat against UST’s Nathalie Liscano [6.5/7].
National University Nazareth School also secured its fifth win with a 4-0 demolition of De La Salle Zobel and settled for second place with 10 match points.
Woman National Master Lexie Hernandez [5.5/6], Sara Dalagan [4.5/6], Heart Padilla [3/4], and Joella Conjurado [1/1] all tallied a point each against Mariel Solis [0/3], Francesca Icay [0/6], Zuri Navarro [0/6], and Ayana Montes [0/4] on Boards 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.
Round 9 will commence on Saturday, November 18.
