THE UST Male Woodpushers capped off their Stage 1 campaign with a dominant 3.5-0.5 victory over the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 men’s chess tournament on Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Adamson University Gymnasium.
UST cemented itself at the top of the standings, collecting eight match points and 15 game points. Meanwhile, UP stayed at second place with six match points and 11.5 game points.
FIDE Master Christian Daluz clinched a crucial victory against fellow FIDE Master Stephen Pangilinan on Board 1 to secure the point for UST.
Chester Reyes added to UST’s tally on Board 2 by defeating Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco in just 30 moves.
Woodpusher Jan Clifford Labog extended his team’s lead by overcoming Arena International Master Roderenz Adra in 56 moves for his third win of the season.
Reigning MVP and UST team captain Melito Ocsan Jr. held Arena Grandmaster IO Christopher Calica to a draw on Board 4.
Moving to the women’s division, the UST Lady Woodpushers suffered a 3-1 defeat to the NU Lady Bulldogs at the end of Stage 1.
This loss kept UST in fifth place with six match points and 10 game points, while NU claimed the third seed with 10 match points and 13 game points.
UST team captain Josemier Panol earned the team’s sole point by taking out Woman FIDE Master Alaney Doroy on Board 1.
The Lady Bulldogs then dominated on the other boards with Natasja Balabbo overpowering Precious Yecla on Board 2 in 38 moves.
NU’s Princess Ballete outlasted Princess Oncita on Board 3 in 60 moves. On Board 4, Jelaine Adriano completed NU’s victory with a 51-move win over Jenny Tullo.
The Stage 2 of the tournament is yet to be announced. F – with reports from Nicole Atuan
