THE ATENEO Chess Teams vanquished their respective opponents to finish today’s iteration of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 Chess Tournament. Both matches took place earlier this afternoon at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Technology Building in the City of Manila.
Refreshed following their draw against Far Eastern University (FEU) last Sunday, the Women’s Team stood triumphant versus the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Woodpushers, 2 (2.5) – 0 (1.5).
On the flip side, with their renewed perseverance, the Men’s Team routed the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Woodpushers, 2 (2.5) – 0 (1.5). Their subjugation of their green rivals opened a way to catch tournament leaders UST.
Starring in today’s match was Tristan Cervero, who overtook his opponent with ease despite opting to take the traditional route. Replicating Cervero was Atenean starlet Alphecca Gonzales, who notched a win against UST’s Patricia Bernardo with her crafty decision-making.
When asked about her feelings after a tough match, Gonzales stated that she executed a new strategy. Despite being nervous at first, the Atenean admitted that it was all worth it, as her new approach paid dividends in the end.
Meanwhile, Cervero echoed his female counterparts’ sentiments and found his victory today satisfying. Consequently, after Khalil Kis-ing’s draw, Cervero’s statements became that of joy, as he attributed the team’s success today to his team captain.
Women’s Chess vs UST
For the Women’s match, all boards were engaged in hotly contested affairs which were decided by thin margins. To start off proceedings, Team Captain Kristine Flores fell to Rohanisah Buto, who came prepared with a Caro-Kann Variation opening.
Looking to avenge her skipper’s defeat, Gonzales shattered her opponent’s plans by surprising them with an intricate gambit involving her pawns which snowballed to an effortless victory for board four. In the wake of the rookie’s triumph, Jiesel Marino showcased her end-game brilliance on board one by a series of the astute moves that left Josemier Panol’s king all alone. Elayza Villa then finished it off, trading checkmates with Princess Louise Oncita on board two, ultimately sealing the overall win for her squad, 2 (2.5) – 0 (1.5).
Men’s Chess vs DLSU
Adding on to the Women’s Team’s performance, the Men’s Team took control of their table against DLSU. Their day began with Janmyl Tisado conquering his opponent on board four to set the tempo for the Blue and White.
Meanwhile, Cervero bided his time with consistent moves throughout the match. As DLSU’s Khris Oswald Olvido blindly sent his queen into enemy territory without backup, the Atenean tactician immediately capitalized on the blunder to steal a board three win.
At once, the table was about to manifest an Ateneo win until the Green Woodpushers defeated Jasper Faeldonia to pursue a draw. However, DLSU’s standstill attempts were denied when Kis-ing traded rooks with Daniel John Lemi, leading to an opposite-colored bishops draw. The wise move secured the impressive victory, 2 (2.5) – 0 (1.5), spelling out an Ateneo sweep to end the day.
Tomorrow, the Ateneo Women’s Team has its sights set on the Adamson Lady Woodpushers. At the same time, the Men’s Team looks to build off the momentum, gearing up for their match against the FEU Male Woodpushers. Both matches will happen at 1:00 PM, in the same venue.
Men’s standings
- UST 12.0 [20.5]
- Ateneo 10.0 [16]
- FEU 7.0 [15]
- UP 7.0 [14]
- DLSU 5.0 [13]
- AdU 1.0 [5.5]
Women’s standings
- FEU 19.0 [23.0]
- NU 15.0 [21.0]
- Ateneo 10.0 [17.0]
- UP 10.0 [16]
- DLSU 9.0 [15.5]
- AdU 6.0 [14]
- UST 5.0 [11]
