AFTER FALLING to the University of the Philippines (UP) in yesterday’s matches, the Ateneo Men’s Chess Team redeemed themselves by taking down the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 2.5-1.5, in the seventh round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 82 Men’s Chess Tournament on Sunday, September 29, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City. 

The Blue Eagles’ performance took their record to 2-2-2 with a total of 11 points, matching UP at 5th place to cap off the fifth round of games. 

Vince Edralin and Tristan Cervero took command of first and second boards, while Team Captain Gavin Ong and Alexander Santos lined up at boards three and four, respectively. 

Edralin surrendered first board to DLSU, but Cervero made it clear that the squad had enough to bounce back as he pulled Ateneo level with a win. Ong’s draw set the stage for a deciding fourth board before Santos conquered his opponent to seal the overall win.

Despite the team’s positive results, Ong acknowledged that the team still has a lot of ground to cover. “We had a rough weekend overall, but it’s important that we move on. We will definitely be ready to bring our One Big Fight as we play the defending champions this coming Saturday,” he asserted.

A tough challenge awaits the Blue Eagles as they go against Far Eastern University at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 5, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.