PAUL MATTHEW Llanillo survived a lengthy showdown against a Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) league veteran to be the centerpiece of the Ateneo Men’s Chess Team’s equalizing efforts, 2-2, versus the reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) champions University of Santo Tomas (UST) Male Woodpushers. The match was held last Sunday, November 5, at the Far Eastern University Technology Building in the City of Manila.
As all boards were empty and the two remained as the last men standing, the Cavite-based Llanillo successfully hampered a spirited fightback and foiled all of Mark Daluz’s counterattacks. The Atenean’s efforts to deny his adversary ultimately slotted a round-six draw for the Blue Eagles with a 1-0 win.
“Madulas kasi ‘yung [Daluz] player. Kahit losing pa siya, makakagawa pa rin siya ng way. Makakagawa pa rin siya ng “Luka Magic” kalaban sa FEU. Last year, natalo niya rin ‘yung MVP sa Men’s [Division] kahit na losing siya (Daluz),” uttered Llanillo, who fought in board one.
(He is a tricky player. Even if he is losing, he still makes a way to win. He manages to make “Luka Magic” against FEU. Last year, he managed to beat the Men’s Division MVP despite being at the losing end.)
Furthermore, Llamillo also admitted to being overwhelmed by his unexpected win over Daluz. The yellow-clad foe was a member of the PCAP, and did not continue his stint in the same league to debut in the UAAP chessboard for UST.
“Actually, underdog ako. Kasali siya [Daluz] sa PCAP, parang Premier Volleyball League (PVL) at Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) [ng chess]. Hindi na siya sumasali sa PCAP para maging eligible sa UAAP,” pleaded the Atenean sophomore
(Actually, I’m an underdog. [Daluz] is a member of PCAP, which is like the PVL and PBA [of chess]. He dropped his membership in PCAP to be eligible for the UAAP.)
Elsewhere, Tristan Cervero slotted a convincing 1-0 win versus Season 85 co-MVP Julius Gonzales in board four to buttress the Blue Eagle’s quest for a draw. Meanwhile, looking to build off their wins in the previous stage, Team Captain Christopher Khalil Kis-ing and Jasper Faeldonia unluckily suffered defeat from Season 84 silver medalist Melito Oscan Jr. and rookie Chester Reyes on boards three and two respectively.
Cervero utilized his methodic “play safe” strategy to make quick work of Gonzales when it mattered the most, keeping his former teammate in Palarong Pambansa at bay in the early stages. The Atenean waited until his Marikina-based foe committed a blunder before finding the perfect moment to weave his pieces and snatch the victory.
The Palarong Pambansa alumnus cited his familiarity with Gonzales as a winning key. “Teammates kami dati sa Palaro[ng Pambansa], so alam ko na rin ‘yung playstyle niya. Parehas rin kaming taga-Marikina. Outside sa chessboard, friends talaga kami. Pero sa laro [ng UAAP], laro pa rin ito, at sa loob magkalaban kami [ngayon]. Walang friends-friends kapag naglalaro,” emphasized Cervero.
(We were teammates during the Palarong Pambansa, so I am familiar with his playstyle. We are also from Marikina. Outside the chessboard, we are friends. However, in the UAAP, it is a match, and we are opponents for now. There is no friendship when we are officially competing against each other.)
In hopes to slot a stronger finish, the Men’s Team aims to bounce back in locking horns with De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Woodpushers on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Meanwhile, the Women’s Team will square off with the UST Lady Woodpushers on the same date and venue.
