Ateneo de Manila University held defending champion University of Santo Tomas to a 2-2 draw, keeping the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Chess championship within reach at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila on Sunday.
However, UST still leads the pack with 10 match points built around four wins and two draws, while Ateneo is currently in second place with eight match points.
Paul Matthew Llanillo [3/3] delivered an upset against UST’s FIDE Master Christian Daluz [3/5] on Board 1, prevailing after 75 moves in a two-rooks-vs-queen endgame.
Ateneo’s Tristan Cervero [3/5] also joined the party by handing the erstwhile undefeated Season 85 co-MVP Julius Gonzales [4/5] his first loss on Board 4, courtesy of a superb maneuver in a 48-move rook endgame.
UST’s Melito Ocsan Jr. [5/6] and National Master Chester Reyes [5.5/6] secured separate wins over National Master Jasper Faeldonia [3/6] and Christopher Kis-ing [2.5/6] on Board 2 and 3, respectively, salvaging a match draw.
University of the Philippines also came out victorious in Round 6, overcoming Far Eastern University 2.5-1.5, to stay in third place with seven match points.
FIDE Master Stephen Pangilinan [5/6] led the way with his fifth victory in six matches, defeating FIDE Master Jeth Morado [4/6] on Board 1, followed by Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco [3/6], who took down FEU’s National Master Christian Olaybal [3.5/6] on Board 2.
Michael Olladas [1/3] secured UP’s win by forcing a draw on Board 4 against John Kenneth Gelua [1.5/2], while John Edward Vito Cruz [0/2] succumbed to FEU’s Juan Samson Cantela [1.5/3] on Board 3.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University registered its second win this season with a 2.5-1.5 result against Adamson University.
National Master Cyril Telesforo [4/6] and Kris Oswald Olvido [3/5] each scored a win against Jolan Ballobar [0/4] and John Frederick Sunga [1/3] on Board 2 and 4, respectively, while Jester Sistoza [0.5/3] drew with FIDE Master Alfonzo Olendo [1/6] on Board 1 to secure the win for DLSU.
Matt Joseph Ramos [2.5/6] tallied the only win for the Soaring Falcons after defeating Daniel John Lemi [3/6] on Board 3.
Round 7 will commence on Saturday, November 11.
