Far Eastern University-Diliman edged closer to a championship sweep, remaining undefeated at the close of Round 6 in the UAAP Season 87 High School Chess Tournaments at Adamson Gym on Sunday.
With three matches left, the Baby Tamaraws maintained their lead in the boys’ division, now holding 10 match points after a dominant 3.5-0.5 victory over winless De La Salle Zobel.
Jerish John Velarde (4.5/5) set the tone with a strong showing, forcing James Vinluan (0/4) to resign after just 29 moves in an English Opening, showcasing a decisive endgame advantage on Board 2.
On Board 3, Franklin Andes (2/3) secured another win, outplaying La Salle’s Gian Caguiat (0/4) in only 31 moves. Lemmuel Adena (4/4) followed suit with a swift 31-move checkmate of Santino Edralin (0/2) on Board 4. Oscar Cantela (4/5) completed FEU-D’s victory with a draw against Tyrhone Tabernilla (3/5) on Board 1.
Meanwhile, in the girls’ division, FEU-D maintained its top position despite a 2-2 draw with University of Santo Tomas, their closest challenger for the title.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino (5/5) continued her flawless run with a fifth consecutive victory, this time against UST’s Iana Sotaridona (3/5) on Board 2. April Joy Carlos (5/5) also contributed to FEU-D’s effort by defeating Nathalia Liscano (3/4) on Board 3.
UST managed to equalize the match after Daren Dela Cruz (3/5) and Trina Temple (4/4) defeated Kate Ordizo (3.5/5) and Ann Beatrice Bombales (1/2) on Board 1 and Board 4, respectively.
In another girls’ division matchup, National University Nazareth School boosted its podium chances with a commanding 4-0 sweep of last-place De La Salle Zobel.
Jersey Marticio (3.5/5), Juzeia Agne (2/4), Sara Dalagan (2.5/4), and Kyla Dalagan (2/4) all secured convincing wins over Sarah Cabodil (0/4), Mariel Solis (0/3), Ayana Montes (0/3), and Jeslyn Santos (0/4), respectively.
With this win, the Junior Lady Bulldogs climbed to third place in the standings as Adamson University had a bye in Round 6.
Adamson University also kept its podium hopes alive in the boys’ division with a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory over fourth-place Ateneo High School.
Allan Dolfo (2/5) snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating Ateneo’s Aidan Mejia (0.5/4) on Board 1, while Bryce Bayani (2.5/3) added another point for Adamson with a win over Arena FIDE Master Marc Fua (1/4) on Board 4.
Jonver Acosta (2.5/5) clinched Adamson’s victory by drawing against Jose Pio Caro (1/3) on Board 2, although Ateneo’s Arena FIDE Master Ronnell Co (2.5/4) provided his team’s lone win on Board 3, overcoming Jian Bautista (2/5).
Round 7 for both divisions is scheduled to resume on Saturday.
