Both Far Eastern University-Diliman chess teams kicked off their title defense campaigns with victories in the UAAP Season 87 High School Chess Tournament on Saturday at Adamson Gym.
The Baby Tams dominated with a 4-0 shutout against the De La Salle-Zobel Junior Green Woodpushers, while the Lady Baby Tams edged the UST Junior Tigress Woodpushers, 2.5-1.5, as both teams began their bids for a ‘three-peat.’
Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino [1/1], fresh off an impressive performance at the FIDE Chess Olympiad, delivered FEU-D’s two key points alongside April Joy Claros [1/1], who both bested Daren Dela Cruz [0/1] and Iana Sotardina [0/1] on Boards 2 and 3.
The final result was secured when Kate Ordizo [0.5/1] and UST’s Mecel Gadut [0.5/1] settled for a draw on Board 1.
UST’s lone victory came from Trina Temple [1/1], who triumphed in her season debut against Franiel Magpily [0/1] on Board 4.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, Oscar Cantela [1/1] battled through an almost five-hour marathon against National Master Tyrhone Tabernilla [0/1] on Board 1 in the boys’ division.
Cantela gained a critical piece advantage in the endgame, securing a victory that highlighted FEU-D’s sweep of De La Salle-Zobel.
Joining Cantela in the win column were Jerish John Velarde [1/1], Franklin Andes [1/1], and Lemuel Adena [1/1], who defeated James Kalr Vinluna [0/1], Nathan Navarro [0/1], and Gian Caguiat [0/1] on Boards 2, 3, and 4, respectively.
In another boys’ match, Adamson University also opened their campaign with a commanding 3-1 win over Ateneo High School.
Allan Dolfo [1/1] and Jian Bautista [1/1] secured wins on Boards 1 and 4 against Jose Caro [0/1] and Marc Justin Fua [0/1].
Meanwhile, Raemund Bandejas [0.5/1] and Jonver Acosta [0.5/1] settled for draws with Ronnel Co [0.5/1] and Luis Gabriel Guttierez [0.5/1] on Boards 2 and 3.
In the girls’ division, National University Nazareth School made a statement with a 4-0 sweep of De La Salle-Zobel.
Jersey Marticio [1/1], Juzeia Agne [1/1], Sara Dalagan [1/1], and Kyla Dalagan [1/1] all secured wins over Joedi Cortes [0/1], Mariel Solis [0/1], Ayana Montes [0/1], and Jeslyn Santos [0/1] on Boards 1 through 4, respectively.
Round 2 of both the boys’ and girls’ high school divisions will take place on Sunday.
