Defending champion Far Eastern University – Diliman continued to dominate the UAAP Season 86 High School Chess Championships with separate wins in the Boys and Girls categories in Round 2 of at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila on Sunday.
The FEU-D Boys’ team secured its second win in as many matches to take the lead with four match points.
After an impressive victory on the opening day, the Baby Tamaraws maintained their formidable form with a 4-0 sweep of Ateneo High School.
Franklin Andes [1.5/2] led the way after emerging on top in a 40-move Nimzo-Indian Defense: Sämisch Variation while playing the white pieces against Bryan Magugat [0/2] on Board 1. Jerish Velarde [2/2] also delivered for FEU-D, displaying a masterclass in a 59-move Rook endgame against Luis Gabriel Gutierrez [1/2] on Board 2.
Oscar Cantela [2/2] and Lemmuel Adena [2/2] completed FEU-D’s dominance by overcoming Arena Fide Master Ronell Co [0/1] and Jose Caro [0/1] on Board 3 and 4, respectively.
On the other hand, University of Santo Tomas made its Season 86 debut with a 3-1 victory over Adamson University, securing the second spot in the standings.
Karlycris Clarito Jr. [1/1] and Al-Basher Buto [1/1] dispatched Joshua Roque [0.5/2] and Karl Ballobar [0/1] on Board 1 and 3, respectively.
Oshrie Reyes [0.5/1] and Sumer Oncita [0.5/1] settled for draws with Dustin Herrero [0.5/2] and Robert Christian Palisoc [0.5/2] on Board 2 and 4, respectively.
In the Girls’ division, FEU-D announced its arrival in Season 86 with a 3-1 victory over AdU after taking a bye on the opening day.
Women National Masters Ruelle Canino [1/1], Samantha Umayan [1/1], and Bonjoure Suyamin [1/1] overwhelmed Lira Placer [1/2], Ma. Christina Samarita [1/2], and Christen Reyes [0/1] on Board 1, 2, and 4, respectively, ensuring FEU-D’s victorious season debut.
Woman National Master April Joy Carlos [0/1] was the lone casualty as she succumbed to a loss against God Grace Morales [2/2] on Board 3.
UST also secured its first win with a 4-0 victory over De La Salle Zobel.
Precious Yecla (Board 1) [1.5/2], Nathalie Liscano (Board 2) [2/2], Christine Tabungar (Board 3) [1/1], and Fritzine Baybayan (Board 4) [1/1] all secured wins for UST against Sarah Cabodil [0/2], Mariel Solis [0/1], Francesca Icay [0/2], and Ayana Montes [0/1], respectively.
Round 3 is scheduled to resume on Saturday, October 21.
