University of Santo Tomas moved closer to its four-peat aspirations with a dominant 4-0 sweep of De La Salle University in Round 7 of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Chess Tournament, held at the Adamson Gym on Saturday.
The victory not only avenged UST’s lone defeat to La Salle but also placed the defending champions just two match wins away from securing their fourth consecutive title.
The Male Woodpushers currently lead the league with 12 match points.
FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz (7/7) continued his flawless run, guiding UST with a 45-move victory over Cyril Telesforo (2/7) on Board 1.
Meanwhile, UST captain Melito Ocsan Jr. (5/6) defeated La Salle’s Kris Olvido (1/3) in 41 moves of a Reti Opening while playing with the black pieces.
On Board 2, Chester Reyes (4/5) of UST battled for 118 moves, eventually securing a hard-fought victory over Daniel John Lemi (4/7) in a rook and bishop vs. rook endgame that lasted nearly five hours.
Julius Gonzales (2/3) completed UST’s sweep by winning a rook endgame against John Lance Valencia (0/2) on Board 4.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University continued to dominate the women’s division, concluding Round 10 with a 3.5-1.5 win over Adamson University.
The Lady Tamaraws now lead with 15 match points, three points ahead of second-ranked La Salle.
Woman National Master (WNM) Vic Glysen Derotas (8/8) remained perfect, securing a 32-move victory over Christine Hernandez (0/4) with a powerful queenside attack.
On Board 2, WNM Mary Joy Tan (5.5/7) used a brilliant 32nd-move tactic to gain material advantage and seal the win in the endgame against Zheileen Jain (0/4).
Samantha Umayan (2.5/3) then followed up with a victory over Mariane Flora (0/5) on Board 4.
WNM Mhage Sebastian (5.5/8) closed out the match for FEU with a draw against Angela San Luis (1/9) on Board 1.
In the men’s division, FEU also boosted its podium bid with a dominant 3-1 victory over Ateneo de Manila University.
FIDE Master Mark Bacojo (5/6), Dale Bernardo (3.5/5), and Istraelito Rilloraza (3/4) all won their respective games, defeating Paul Matthew Llanillo (2/7), Romeo Canino (2/6), and Knarf Batislaong (1/3).
FIDE Master John Merill Jacutina (4/7) was the lone casualty for FEU, falling to Ateneo’s Christopher Kis-ing (3/7) on Board 3.
University of the Philippines also stayed within striking distance of the league leaders with a 3-1 win over Adamson University in Round 7.
FIDE Master Stephen Pangilinan (4/7), Roderenz Adra (4/7), and Io Aristotle Calica (5/7) all triumphed over John Frederick Sunga (0/4), Alfonzo Olendo (0/4), and Dustin Herrero (1/4), respectively. Cyrus Francisco (3.5/7) was the only loss for UP, falling to Adamson’s Vince Arellano (1/4).
In the other women’s division matches, second-ranked La Salle kept its championship hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over UST.
WNM Francois Magpily (5/8) and Rinoa Sadey (5.5/8) claimed victories over UST’s Josemier Panol (4.5/8) and Precious Yecla (4/9), respectively.
Lovely Geraldino (1.5/3) and Checy Telesforo (4/6) split the points with Rohanisah Buto (1.5/6) and Princes Oncita (3/7).
Ateneo also claimed a near shutout victory with a 3.5-0.5 win over UP, moving past National University into third place.
Ma. Elayza Villa (7/9) remained undefeated on Board 2, defeating Precious Eve Ferrer (2/8), while Lexie Hernandez (7/9) won her game against Jallen Agra (5/9).
On Board 4, Alphecca Gonzales (3.5/6) claimed victory over Raiza Locmayoan (2.5/7), and Kristine Flores (3/7) drew with Jerlyn San Diego (4.5/7) on Board 1.
Round 11 of the women’s division and Round 8 of the men’s division will take place today, Sunday.
