Defending champion University of Santo Tomas remained undefeated after a 3.5-0.5 victory over De La Salle University in Round 3 of the UAAP Men’s Chess Championship Season 86 at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila on Saturday.
The Tiger Woodpushers continued to lead the standings with six match points, thanks to three consecutive wins, putting them two match points ahead of second-place Ateneo de Manila University.
UST displayed its strength as Melito Ocsan Jr. (Board 2), Chester Reyes (Board 3), and Julius Gonzales (Board 4) all secured three wins in as many matches.
In Round 3, Ocsan [3/3] handed Daniel Lemi [2/3] his first loss after emerging victorious in a 50-move bishop endgame, while Reyes [3/3] earned a full point over Francis Guimalan [1/2] after a 62-move knight endgame.
Gonzales, the Season 85 MVP, also claimed his third win in as many matches by outmaneuvering Diomel Escutin [0/1] in the endgame. Cyril Telesforo [2/3] prevented a shutout loss for the Green Woodpushers by forcing a draw with FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz [2/3] on Board 1.
Meanwhile, Ateneo secured its second consecutive victory with a 2.5-1.5 outcome against Far Eastern University, securing second place.
Paul Llanillo [1/1] and Janmyl Tisado’s [2/3] victories over Hans Olorosisimo [0.5/3] and Arena International Master Jarvey Labanda [0/1] on Boards 1 and 4, respectively, led Ateneo’s attack in Round 3.
Jasper Faeldonia [2/3] secured the win for Ateneo by sharing the point with FIDE Master Jeth Romy Morado [2/3] on Board 2.
Christian Olaybal [3/3] secured FEU’s only victory in Round 3 by defeating Christopher Kis-ing [0.5/3] on Board 3.
University of the Philippines also entered the win column with a dominant 4-0 win over Adamson University, securing the third spot in the standings.
FIDE Master Stephen Rome Pangilinan [2/3] (Board 1), Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco [1.5/3] (Board 2), Melson Gallo [1.5/2] (Board 3), and Joshov Rosarda [1/2] (Board 4) all notched wins against Arena FIDE Master Alfonzo Olendo [0.5/3], John Rocel Simon [0/3], Jolan Ballobar [0/3], and Matt Joseph Ramos [1/3], respectively.
Round 4 is scheduled for Sunday, October 22.
