THE DYNASTY of the UST Male Woodpushers remained unshaken as they once again ruled the boards, capturing their fifth consecutive championship in the UAAP Season 88 men’s chess tournament at the Adamson Gym on Sunday, Oct. 19.
UST overpowered the UP Fighting Maroons, 3.5–0.5, to capture its 12th title overall.
The Male Woodpushers topped the standings throughout the campaign with 16 match points and 27.5 game points built on an 8-2-0 win-draw-loss slate.
Chester Reyes was crowned the MVP, as he also clinched gold on Board 2, topping it all off with a draw against UP’s Daniel Tagufa.
“I’m so happy and it’s a big achievement for me because even though our senior teammates are gone, we were still able to perform this season,” Reyes said.
Last year’s MVP and FIDE Master Mark Daluz bagged silver on Board 1, taking down Arena FIDE Master Francis Magpily of UP.
On Board 3, Woodpusher Jan Clifford Labog outmaneuvered UP’s John Ventura, while Lee Palma also delivered a stellar run, claiming another gold for UST on the same board.
UST’s Mark Reyes clinched gold on Board 4 after delivering a decisive win against UP’s Meison Gailo. Allan Hilario went undefeated on Board 6 to take home gold for the España squad.
In the women’s division, UST Lady Woodpushers climbed to fourth place from last season’s sixth.
The Lady Woodpsuhers ended their campaign with a 2.5-1.5 defeat against the eventual champions NU Lady Bulldogs.
UST finished with a 5-5-2 record, with 12 match points and 25 game points.
Lady Bulldog’s Allaney Deroy outsmarted Precious Yecla on Board 1.
On Board 2, Lady Woodpusher Josemier Panol settled for a draw against Jersey Marticio, settling for bronze.
Securing bronze on Board 4, UST’s Rohanisah Buto held Jelaine Adriano to a draw on Board 3.
Meanwhile, Nathalie Liscano, who copped bronze on Board 6, settled for a draw with Kyla Dalagan on Board 4.
NU ended its three-year championship drought after securing its first title since Season 85. F
