With defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman taking a bye in Round 5, University of Santo Tomas stepped into the spotlight, scoring impressive victories in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions of the UAAP Season 87 High School Chess Tournament on Sunday at the Adamson Gym.
In the girls’ division, the Junior Female Woodpushers delivered a flawless performance, sweeping De La Salle Zobel 4-0 in Round 5.
This dominant win kept UST close behind FEU-D, securing second place with six match points.
UST’s Daren Dela Cruz (2/4), Iana Sotaridona (3/4), Nathalie Liscano (3/3), and Alleana Gonzales (1/1) each claimed victory over their DLSZ opponents Joedi Costes (0/3), Sarah Cabodil (0/3), Francesca Icay (0/3), and Ayana Montes (0/2), respectively.
The boys’ division saw UST edge past fourth-running Ateneo High School with a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory.
Sumer Oncita (2/3) and Karlycris Clarito, Jr. (2.5/4) outplayed Ateneo’s Aida Mejia (0.5/3) and Yash Cayabyab (0/1), while John Cyrus Borce’s (1.5/2) draw with Jose Caro (0.5/2) sealed the win for the Junior Male Woodpushers in Round 5.
Luis Gabriel Gutierrez (2.5/4) kept Ateneo competitive by defeating Jian Carlo Rivera (2.5/4) on Board 4.
Adamson University also posted solid performances, securing the third spot in both divisions as they entered the season’s second half.
In the boys’ division, Jonver Acosta (2/4), Jian Bautista (2/4), and Bryce Bayani (1.5/2) each earned victories over La Salle’s Nathan Navarro (0/4), Gian Marco Caguiat (0/3), and Christian Malabanan (0/1) on Boards 2, 3, and 4, respectively, marking Adamson’s second match win.
Tyrhone Tabernilla (2.5/4) kept the Junior Green Woodpushers on the board by defeating Baby Falcon Allan Dolfo (1/4) on Board 1.
In the girls’ division, Adamson narrowly triumphed over National University Nazareth School with a close 2.5-1.5 outcome.
Christen Reyes (2/3) and Ma. Christina Samarita (3/4) led the charge, defeating Arena FIDE Master Ryien Bahita (0/2) and Kyla Dalagan (1/3), while Florence Isabedra (1.5/4) secured the victory by drawing against Sara Dalagan (1.5/3) on Board 2.
Jersey Marticio (2.5/4) provided the Bullpups’ only win, besting Lira Placer (1.5/4) on Board 1.
The action in both divisions will pause for a week before resuming with Round 6 on November 3.
