University of Santo Tomas maintained its perfect run in the girls’ division after sweeping De La Salle Zobel, 4-0, while Far Eastern University-Diliman seized solo control of the boys’ division in Round 4 of the UAAP Season 89 High School Chess Championships on Sunday at the BGPOP Building inside the UST campus in Manila.
The Junior Female Woodpushers secured their fourth consecutive victory to improve to eight match points, maintaining a two-point advantage over second-running FEU-D.
Penelope Sanchez [3.5/4.0] spearheaded the defending champion’s dominant performance on Board 2, delivering a 21-move checkmate against Xophi Holgado [1.0/4.0].
Mecel Gadut [1.5/2.0] followed suit on Board 3, by scoring a 24-move checkmate on La Salle’s Alexa Enas [0.0/3.0] to register her first victory of the season.
UST’s Gilasea Hilario [2.0/2.0] also preserved her perfect record on Board 4, building an unstoppable mating attack that forced Georgina Sucaldito [0.0/1.0] to resign after the 34th move for her second win in as many appearances.
Angela Sotaridona [3.0/4.0] accounted for UST’s other point with a victory by forfeit over Sarah Cabodil [0.0/2.0] on the top board.
In the boys’ division, FEU-D turned back previously unbeaten Adamson University, 3-1, to seize solo lead with eight match points following its fourth consecutive victory.
King Xyan Beltran [3.0/4.0] delivered his second straight win by defeating AdU’s Allan Dolfo [2.5/4.0] on Board 2, extending his unbeaten run to four appearances.
Runhigh Instrella [1.5/2.0] likewise remained undefeated for FEU-D after beating Charles Candor [1.0/2.0] on Board 4.
Arena Candidate Master Joemel Narzabal [3.0/4.0] split the point with Bryce Bayani [1.5/2.0] on the top board, while National Master Angelo Mallorca [2.5/3.0] and Ashton Fratkin [3.0/4.0] likewise settled for draw on Board 3 to seal FEU-D’s victory.
The Diliman-based squad also delivered a 3.5-0.5 rout of Ateneo High School in the girls’ division to stay within striking distance of league-leading UST with six match points.
Giecel Pacubat [3.5/4.0] remained undefeated through four appearances after beating Ateneo’s Serenity Pesino [0.0/4.0] on Board 2 for her third victory, while Jean Brade [1.0/1.0] marked her season debut with a win over Caitlyn Oh [1.0/4.0] on Board 4.
LJ Getubig [3.0/4.0] earned her third consecutive win with a forfeit victory against Sapphire Abaño [0.0/4.0] on Board 1 as Woman National Master Cyreine Jean Borce [0.5/1.0] drew with Mikayla Tusi [3.0/4.0] on Board 3.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, National University Nazareth School posted its second consecutive victory in the girls’ division after sweeping AdU, 4-0, to tie its victims at four match points apiece.
Arena FIDE Master Ryien Bahita [3.0/4.0] defeated Crystal Sunga [1.0/3.0] on Board 1 for her second straight victory, while Mica Clar [2.5/4.0] also recorded back-to-back wins after beating Elizah Bandejas [1.0/3.0] on Board 2.
Thea Clar [1.0/2.0] registered her first victory against Athena Casas [2.5/4.0] on Board 3, while Lara Dalagan [2.5/3.0] completed NUNS’ shutout win by defeating Samantha Mislang [1.0/4.0] on Board 4.
In the other boys’ division matches, UST took down La Salle, 3-1, to join AdU in second at six match points.
Jian Carlo Rivera [3.5/4.0] defeated La Salle’s Gian Marco Caguiat [0.5/4.0] on Board 1 for his second straight victory while Arena International Master Gabriel Paradero [2.5/3.0] likewise remained undefeated after prevailing over Kervin Dominguez [0.0/4.0] on Board 2 for his second win in three outings.
Jude Dableo [2.0/2.0] maintained his perfect record with a victory over Sebastian Partido [0.0/2.0] on Board 4.
Collin Chiong [1.5/3.0], meanwhile, earned his first win by defeating Arena FIDE Master Prince De Luna [1.5/3.0] on Board 3 to provide La Salle’s lone point.
Ateneo also entered the win column in the boys’ division after overpowering Southridge School, 3.5-0.5, to move into fourth place with two match points.
Arena International Master Marc Fua [1.0/4.0] led Ateneo with a victory over Romeo Reyes III [0.5/4.0] on Board 1, while Arena FIDE Master Ronell Co [1.5/4.0] and Bryan Landicho [1.0/3.0] defeated Gael Garcia [0.5/4.0] and Romeo Funtila [0.5/4.0] on Boards 3 and 4, respectively. All three Ateneo players registered their first victories of the season.
Arena International Master Joachim Manuel [1.5/4.0] and Arena FIDE Master Carl Importante [1.5/4.0] split the point on Board 2, providing Southridge’s lone half-point as it remained at two match points.
Round 5 of the boys’ and girls’ division is scheduled for November 7 in the same venue.
