Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino capped off a perfect season, leading Far Eastern University-Diliman to a dominant 4-0 victory against De La Salle-Zobel in the girls’ division of the UAAP Season 87 High School Chess Tournament on Saturday at the Adamson Gym.
With an unblemished 8-0 record, Canino triumphed over Joedi Costes (0/4) on the top board to seal the victory for the Baby Tamaraws, who had already secured the title earlier in Round 8.
In the boys’ division, FEU-Diliman continued its unbeaten run with another 4-0 shutout, this time against Adamson University.
Oscar Cantela (7/8) led the charge on the top board, scoring his seventh point with a decisive win over Charles Candor (0/1).
Jerish John Velarde (7.5/8) maintained his unbeaten record across eight matches, forcing Allan Dolfo (3/7) to resign after 32 moves, thanks to two unstoppable passed pawns.
Meanwhile, Joemel Narzabal (3/3) showcased his endgame mastery, defeating Raemund Bandejas (0.5/3) in 49 moves during a knight endgame on Board 3.
Arena FIDE Master Ritchie Abeleda (2/2) completed FEU-Diliman’s perfect performance with a victory over Jonver Acosta (2.5/7) on Board 4.
In the girls’ division, Franiel Magpily (4/5) added to the rout with a 56-move checkmate against Mariel Solis (0/5), helping FEU-Diliman dominate De La Salle Zobel 4-0.
Ann Beatrice Bombales (2/3) and Lyn Getubig (2/3) rounded out the sweep with victories over Francesca Icay (0/5) and Jeslyn Santos (0/6) on Boards 3 and 4, respectively.
Meanwhile, Adamson University moved closer to a podium finish in the girls’ division, edging University of Santo Tomas (UST) 2.5-1.5.
Florence Isabedra (3.5/7) and Ma. Christina Samarita (5/7) earned critical wins against Nathalie Liscano (3.5/6) and Trina Temple (4/6), respectively, while Christen Reyes (3.5/6) secured a draw against Iana Sotaridona (3.5/7) to seal the victory.
UST’s lone bright spot in the match was Daren dela Cruz (4/7), who defeated Lira Placer (2.5/7) on the top board.
In the boys’ division, UST clinched the runner-up spot with one round remaining, courtesy of a 2.5-1.5 victory over De La Salle.
John Cyrus Borce (4/5) and Jude Dableo (2/3) secured wins over James Vinluan (0/6) and Gian Caguiat (0/6), while Karlycris Clarito Jr. (4/7) drew against Tyrhone Tabernilla (4.5/7).
De La Salle’s Santino Edralin (1/3) earned his first point of the tournament with a win against Marlon Balbaboco (1/2) on Board 4.
The schedule for the final round will be announced later.
