MANILA, Philippines – It’s in the bag for reigning three-peat champion Far Eastern University (FEU).

The Tamaraws blanked the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 4-0, to virtually capture their historic fourth straight title after round 13 of the 72nd season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) chess team championships.

FEU, mentored by two-time Olympian GM Jayson Gonzales, became the virtual seniors’ chess champion at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tan Yan Kee Student Center in España, Manila on Sunday.

“All our hard work was been paid off. I’m proud of my boys,” said Gonzales, who also helped FEU snatch the overall championship in the12th Rakan Muda Grand ASEAN Chess Challenge (GACC) World Inter-Varsity Chess Championships 2007 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Assistant coach is National Master (NM) Alex Milagrosa.

Lyndon Sombilon defeated Gabriel Gatbonbon after 23 moves of Sicilian defense on board 1, Sheider Nebato downed Ronald Tong after 32 moves of King’s Indian defense on board 2, Luffe Magdalaga crushed Emmanuel Plan after 47 moves of Trompovsky Opening on board 3 while Kevin Mirano subdued Nathan Sarigumba after 35 moves of Benoni defense on board 4 to complete FEU’s shutout victory.

“Napaghandaan ko siya po. Pumasok sa linya po.” said Magdalaga, a junior BS Education student.

FEU, who is going to the last round on Sunday, tallied a total of 38.5 points, 4.5 points ahead of runner-up UST which suffered a heart-breaking loss to De La Salle University, 0.5-3.5, in the senior men’s competitions.

Lady Tamaraws win

FEU continued its winning streak in the distaff side as the Lady Tamaraws defeated the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons, 3-1, to remain on top with 31 points.

They are 2.5 points ahead of the Ateneo Lady Eagles who have 28.5 points.

2006 Doha Asian games bet Woman National Master (WNM) Jedara Docena, Rulp Ylem Jose and Lovelyn Medina beat Cheyzer Mendoza, Krizza Abasolo and Marvee Exconde on board 2, 3 and 4, respectively.

Rida Jane Young beat FEU’s Ronna Reigner Senora to prevent a shoutout loss for UP.

In the juniors’ division, defending two-time champion Adamson University Baby Falcons yielded to the University of the East Baby Warriors, 1.5-2.5.

Despite this loss, Adamson is still on top with 33 points, a half point ahead of the FEU Baby Tamaraws who tallied 32.5 points after beating the National University Bullpups, 3-1.

International arbiter NM Elias Lao supervised the UAAP chess fest. – by Marlon Bernardino