With high school chess returning after a two-season absence, it was Far Eastern University-Diliman Girl’s Team who took the spotlight after a rousing 4-0 debut victory over Adamson University in the UAAP Season 85 Chess Championships on Wednesday at the FEU Diliman Sports Complex.
Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian (Board 1), April Joy Claros (Board 2), Ruelle Canino (Board 3), and Samantha Babol Umayan (Board 4) all secured the victory in their respective assignments to score a stunning shutout on opening day of high school chess.
Nazareth School of National University, who won the first two girls’ titles in the UAAP, struggled against University of Sto. Tomas and settled for a 2-2 split.
In the Boys’ division, Adamson University led the way with a similar 4-0 dominance over De La Salle – Zobel.
Rookies Janmyl Dilan Tisado, Joshua Roque, and John Rocel Simon all scored their debut wins in Boards 1, 2, and 3, respectively, while Dustin Mackenzie Herrero, playing for his third UAAP season, also scored a win in Board 4.
University of Sto. Tomas also scored a win during the opening day after taking a 2.5-1.5 victory over Ateneo High School.
Karlycris Clarito Jr. scored a win on Board 1 while Magpily Francis Apollo delivered an upset victory over Arena Fide Master Shealtiel Joaquin Blanca on Board 3.
Emcel Julius Gadut’s draw with Raiz Ryan Roxas in Board 2 secured the victory for UST.
