ADU, UP post similar victories

MANILA, Philippines -- The high school chess hotshots of Far Eastern University (FEU), Adamson University (AdU) and University of the Philippines (UP) toppled their respective rivals in the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) chess team championships Saturday at the UST’s new Tan Yan Kee Student Center in Espana, Manila.

The Morayta-based FEU squad, under the tutelage of GM Jayson Gonzales, continued their winning run by blanking the De la Salle University (DLSU) Junior Archers, 4-0, to raise their total points to 8.0 and remain on top in the junior division. The Baby Tams also blasted the University of the East (UE) Junior Warriors, 4-0, last weekend, who took a bye Saturday.

“Sana mahawakan namin ang momentum at magpatuloy ang aming panalo,” said FEU head coach GM Jayson Gonzales, who is best remembered winning the inaugural 2008 Subic Open.

Paul Evangelista downed Ramon Lorenzo Bulaong after 29 moves of King’s Indian Defense on board 1 while Vince Angelo Medina beat Joseph Lara after 29 moves of another King’s Indian skirmish on board 2. Mc Dominique Lagula dealt Miguel Limgencio a loss after 33 moves of English Opening on board 3 and Jeremiah Alfonso subdued Raphael Sena after 29 moves of Sicilian defense on board 4.

The Baby Falcons, playing under the watchful eye of candidate master Christopher Rodriguez, nipped the Ateneo de Manila (ADMU) Blue Eaglets, 3-1, to open their three-peat title bid with a bright note. The San Marcelino, Manila wood pushers took a bye in the first round.

“Magandang simula na ang 3-1, talagang magaling at beterano din si Jem (Jan Emmanuel Garcia),” said Rodriguez.

John Timothy Kua, Steven James Dacanay and Jesse Abucejo provided the important wins for the Baby Falcons beating Oliver Villarta, Timothy Esguerra and Gabby Layugan on board 1, 3 and 4. National Master Jan Emmanuel Garcia saved the day for the Blue Eaglets after beating Ali Guya in 48 moves of English Opening on board 2 to prevent his team from being shut out.

College division
In the College women’s divisions, the Lady Maroons under head coach Fide Master Leonardo Carlos edged the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs of head coach candidate master Jojo Aquino, 2.5-1-5, for their second wins in as many outings.

The Lady Maroons tallied a total 6.5 points, the same output of the Lady Eagles, who beat the Lady Warriors, 4-0, Saturday. The Lady Maroons also beat the Lady Warriors, 4-0, last week.

Rida Jane Young and Krizzalye Abasolo carried the fight for the Diliman squad, beating Jollibee Sidaya and Crizelle Giron on board 1 and 3, respectively. Ezra Templonuevo settled a truce with Shirle Marie Vcol on board 4. The Bustillos, Manila team relied on Hiezel Coraje for their full point beating Cheyzer Mendoza on board 2.

“Bagama’t wala na sa line-up si Catherine (WNM Perena), kumpiyansa pa din ako sa team na magbibigay ng magandang laban,” said UP head coach Fide Master Leonardo Carlos.

Lady Archers, the last year’s champion, edged the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Lady Tigers, 2.5-1.5.

In the College men’s divisions, FEU drew with UE, 2-2, while UST split the point with NU, 2-2.

DLSU edged Ateneo, 2.5-1.5, and Adamson University trounced University of the Philippines, 3-1.

The UAAP chess tournament arbiter is Elias Lao, a certified national master and international arbiter. –by Marlon Bernardino