THE ATENEO Men’s and Women’s Chess teams participated in the sixth round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Chess tournament on Sunday, March 4.
The Lady Eagles succumbed to the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 0.5-3.5, while the Blue Eagles just fell short against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 1.5-2.5 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
Lady Eagles
The Lady Eagles managed to add 0.5 to their season score due to a draw by Captain Jasmine Principe against NU’s Jemelee Oandasan on board three. The round ended at a 0.5-3.5 score in favor of NU. Although the Blue and White failed to get the victory, the Lady Eagles were able to bring their season score up to 1.5 points.
On board one for Ateneo, Ana De Duque lost to NU’s Kelly David. Afterwards, fellow Lady Eagle Aryanne De Ocampo fell to Lovely Reyes, granting NU a 2-point lead. Jill Feliciano took on NU’s Joribene Bonifacio on board four, but was unable to capture a win.
Blue Eagles
Coming off a winless round 5, the Blue Eagles hoped to turn things around in round 6. With their highest scorer, Renzo Marquez, back on the boards, the Blue Eagles were poised to add to their season score against UP.
On board one, Blue Eagle Keefe Tan ended his match in a draw against UP’s Joshua Nolasco, bringing the match to a 0.5- 0.5 score. Next up was Ateneo Team Captain Gavin Ong who battled Fighting Maroon Mac Labasano on board two. Unfortunately, Ong did not find the result he was looking for as UP took the lead at 0.5- 1.5. On board three, Marquez defeated UP’s Justin Corpin, which resulted in a tie game at a 1.5-1.5 score.
Blue Eagle Jolo Lat faced a do-or-die situation as he faced Alson Lim on board four. Unfortunately for the Blue and White, Lat fell to Lim, awarding UP the game. The Blue Eagles managed to add 1.5 points to their season score, courtesy of Marquez and Tan.
“I’m proud of my team today for delivering a big fight. I’m happy that Renzo won. I’d like to congratulate Keefe for playing his heart out and getting his first half-point in his UAAP career. I’d like to also apologize on behalf on the Ateneo community and to my team for my poor performance this weekend, I will bounce back,” said Ong.
The Blue and Lady Eagles’ next match day is scheduled on Saturday, March 10 in at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in UST. The Blue Eagles will face the NU while the Lady Eagles will take on UST.
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