FAR EASTERN University-Diliman dominated the competition, securing identical shutout victories to maintain top spot in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions at the conclusion of Round 4 of the UAAP Season 87 High School Chess Tournament on Sunday at the Adamson gym.
Before taking a bye in the next round, FEU-D ensured a clean sweep of their first-round matches in both divisions.
The Baby Tamaraws blanked Adamson University 4-0, while the girls’ team recorded a similar 4-0 victory over De La Salle-Zobel.
On Board 1, Oscar Cantela (3.5/4) bolstered his gold medal prospects, remaining undefeated after defeating Adamson’s Allan Rafael Dolfo (1/3).
Fellow Baby Tamaraw Jerish John Velarde (3.5/4) maintained his Board 2 lead with a win over Raemund Bandejas (0.5/2).
Lemuel Jay Adena (3/3) and Arena Candidate Master Joemel Narzabal (2/2) completed FEU-D’s Round 4 sweep with victories over Jonver Acosta (1/3) and Jian Bautista (1/3) on Boards 3 and 4, respectively.
The Lady Baby Tamaraws had a similar performance.
Kate Ordizo (3.5/4) and Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino (4/4) defeated La Salle’s Joedi Costes (0/2) and Sarah Cabodil (0/2) on Boards 1 and 2, respectively.
On Board 3, April Joy Carlos (4/4) continued her perfect run, winning against Francesca Icay (0/2), while Franiel Magpily (1/2) triumphed over Jeslyn Santos (0/3) on Board 4.
In another girls’ division match, University of Santo Tomas claimed its second straight victory with a 3.5-0.5 win over Adamson, securing solo second place.
Trina Temple (3/3) led UST with a flawless record, defeating the previously unbeaten Ma. Christina Samarita (2/3) on Board 4. Nathalie Liscano (2/2) also maintained her winning streak, overcoming Florence Isabedra (1/3) on Board 3.
Iana Sotaridona (2/3) added another point for UST with her win against Christen Reyes (1/2) on Board 2, while Daren dela Cruz (1/3) settled for a draw with Adamson’s Lira Placer (1.5/3) on Board 1.
In the boys’ division, UST also secured solo second place with a dominant 3.5-0.5 victory over De La Salle-Zobel.
Jian Rivera (2.5/3), Jude Dableo (1/2), and Marlon Balbaboco Jr. (1/1) each secured wins on Boards 2, 3, and 4, respectively, against James Karl Vinluan (0/3), Nathan Navarro (0/3), and Santino Edralin (0/1), rounding off UST’s commanding performance in Round 4.
Tyrhone Tabernilla (1.5/3) was the only La Salle player to earn points, drawing with Karlycris Clarito Jr. (1.5/3) on Board 1.
Round 5 for both the boys’ and girls’ divisions will resume on Sunday, October 27.