University of Santo Tomas reasserted its dominance in collegiate chess, capturing the men’s title in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Blitz Chess Championships held Sunday at the Adamson Gym.
The España-based squad delivered a composed and consistent performance throughout the finals, finishing ahead of a stacked field that saw Far Eastern University settle for first runner-up and De La Salle University place third.
UST head coach and Grandmaster-elect Ronald Dableo emphasized how their strong elimination-round performance translated into a crucial edge in the finals.
“Yung pag-top seed nila sa elimination ngayon, naging morale boost din nila ’yon. Napakiramdaman din yung playing field, eh. Napaganda pa yung line-up namin. Umilalim yung (FM Mark) Daluz at (NM Chester) Reyes. Dun hirap na hirap yung FEU eh kasi wipeout yung ilalim lagi,” said Dableo.
The UST Male Woodpushers dominated Ateneo de Manila University in the semifinals, 3.5-0.5, 3-1, 3-1, to arrange a rematch with FEU, which outlasted La Salle in a tight series, 4-0, 2.5-1.5, 1.5-2.5, 2-2.
In the finals, UST asserted control early with a 4-0 sweep in Round 1, followed by a narrow 2.5-1.5 win in Round 2 before sealing the championship with a 2-2 draw in Round 3.
UST’s title run was anchored by gold medal finishes from Jan Clifford Labog (Board 2), Christian Mark Daluz (Board 3), Chester Neil Reyes (Board 4), and Carl Daluz (Board 6). Vince Pascual chipped in a silver medal on Board 5.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Despite falling short, FEU made its mark with International Master Mark Jay Bacojo earning the Most Valuable Player award after a standout showing on Board 1.
“Being an MVP is just a bonus. The most important thing talaga is the team. UAAP is a team tournament. Still sad na we only got second place, but I’m still happy for the FEU Chess Team kasi nakuha namin yung championship sa ibang divisions,” said Bacojo.
The Tamaraws also collected key individual honors, with Jerish John Velarde named Rookie of the Year after a steady campaign on Board 2 highlighted by a silver medal finish. Franklin Andes secured gold on Board 5, while Dale Bernardo added a bronze on Board 3.
De La Salle University claimed third place after dispatching Ateneo, 3.5-0.5, 2-2, 4-0, in the battle for bronze.
Rigil Pahamtang led La Salle’s podium finish with a silver medal on Board 4, while Karlycris Clarito Jr., National Master Cyril Telesforo, and John Lance Valencia each contributed bronze medal performances.
