University of Santo Tomas and National University Nazareth School inched closer to dethroning the defending champions in the boys’ and girls’ divisions, respectively, with impressive victories in Round 6 of the UAAP Season 88 High School Chess Tournament, Saturday at the Adamson Gym.
The España-based squad secured a 2.5-1.5 win over Adamson University, ensuring UST at least a runner-up finish in the boys’ division.
“Malaking factor talaga yung nanalo kami sa FEU nung first half. Malaking factor kasi yun sa labanan para sa championship,” said UST coach Ronald Dableo, whose next match against Far Eastern University-Diliman will most likely determine this season’s champion.
“Sa laban namin sa FEU, ininform namin yung mga bata na kahit makatabla lang sila medyo mahirap na rin kami habulin lalo natalo na namin yung Adamson,” he added.
John Borce (2.5/3) took the spotlight for the Junior Male Woodpushers as he forced Adamson’s Jonver Acosta (1.5/4) into a disadvantageous queen sacrifice on the 42nd move before launching an unstoppable mating attack to claim victory on Board 3.
On Board 4, Jian Rivera (3.5/4) used a seventh-rank passed pawn to pressure Adamson’s Jian Bautista (1.5/5), eventually forcing him to resign by the 52nd move.
Arena International Master Gabriel Paradero’s (3.5/5) draw with Bryce Bayani (1/4) on the top board secured UST’s overall victory.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In the girls’ division, the Jhocson-based squad scored a near-shutout 3.5-0.5 win against De La Salle Zobel to maintain its hold on the top spot.
Sarah Dalagan (6/6) extended her perfect run on Board 1 with a 40-move mate over La Salle’s Francesca Icay, while fellow NUNS standout Kayla Aurelio (5/6) preserved her undefeated streak with a 40-move conquest of Jesslyn Santos on Board 2.
Arena FIDE Masters Yaneah Morada (4/4) and Ryien Bahita (4.5/6) added a win and a draw, respectively, to complete NUNS’s dominant performance.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Defending champion FEU-D stayed within striking distance with a 4-0 triumph over Adamson.
Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino (5/6), Ericka Ordizo (3.5/4), Lyn Getubig (4.5/5), and Lj Getubig (3/4) all secured victories on Boards 1 through 4, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Their counterparts in the boys’ division mirrored the feat with a 4-0 win over Ateneo High School, led by Gladiminir Romero (4/5) and Lance Orlina (3.5/4), who remained undefeated after six rounds.
UST also strengthened its podium hopes in the girls’ division with a 4-0 rout of Ateneo High School.
