Defending back-to-back champion University of Santo Tomas continued to lead the league standings after defeating University of the Philippines, 2.5-1.5, in Round 7 of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Chess Championship at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila on Sunday.
UST improved to 12 match points, maintaining a full-game lead over Ateneo de Manila University, which currently has 10 match points.
Melito Ocsan Jr. [6/7] spearheaded UST’s conquest by employing a clever 30th move tactical play on Board 2, helping him gain a piece advantage and ultimately conquering Cyrus Francisco [3/7] in the endgame by the 48th move.
On Board 3, National Master Chester Reyes [6.5/7] secured UST’s second point against Joshov Rosarda [2/5] with a victory in 37 moves in a Modern Defense while playing the black pieces.
Season 85 co-MVP Julius Gonzales [4.5/6] then had to survive a losing position in the middle game to salvage a 43-move draw against Michael Olladas [1.5/4] on Board 4 to preserve UST’s victory.
FIDE Master Christian Daluz [3/6] was the lone casualty as FIDE Master Stephen Rome Pangilinan [6/7] scored a revenge win through superior endgame play, emerging victorious after 52 moves on Board 1.
Ateneo de Manila kept pace with the league leaders heading into Round 8 after narrowly defeating De La Salle University 2.5-1.5.
Tristan Cervero [4/6] led the way, registering his fourth straight victory on Board 3 against Kris Oswald Olvido [3/6], along with Janmyl Tisado’s [3/5] triumph over Francis Guimalan [1/4] on Board 4.
Christopher Kis-ing [3/7] secured Ateneo’s win by splitting points with Daniel Lemi [3.5/7] on Board 2, while National Master Jasper Faeldonia [3/7] fell to National Master Cyril Telesforo [5/7] on the top board.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University leapfrogged UP for third place with a 3.5-0.5 victory over Adamson University.
Hans Olorosisimo [2/6], FIDE Master Jeth Romy Morado [5/7], and John Kenneth Gelua [2.5/3] all scored wins against Arena FIDE Master Alfonzo Olendo [1/7], John Rocel Simon [0.5/6], and Matt Joseph Ramos [2.5/7] on Boards 1, 2, and 4, respectively.
Juan Samson Cantela [2/4] completed the domination with a draw on Board 3 against Jolan Ballobar [0.5/5].
