BOTH ATENEO Chess Teams tallied contrasting results in back-to-back matches of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Chess Tournament. The matches were held earlier today, October 12, at the Adamson University Gym in the City of Manila.
The Men’s Team battled to a stalemate, 2-2, against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws and suffered a narrow defeat against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Woodpushers, 1.5-2.5. Meanwhile, the Women’s Team dropped a 1.5-2.5 defeat against the DLSU Lady Woodpushers before a dominant 3.5-0.5 win against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Female Woodpushers.
Entering the boards for the Men’s Team are Eowyn Jullado, Cedric Abris, Ritchie James Abeleda, and Team Captain Khalil Kis-ing. Meanwhile, the Women’s Team included Jiessel Marino, Team Captain Elayza Villa, Alphecca Gonzales, and Kristine Flores.
Men’s vs FEU
Kicking off the Blue and White’s campaign, Abris captured a convincing victory over Jerish Velarde of the Tamaraws. On the other hand, veteran Kis-ing bowed to FEU’s Franklin Andes. Finally, Jullado and Abeleda both settled for a tie against Mark Bacojo and Lemmuel Adena, respectively, leading to a draw in their first match of the day.
Men’s vs DLSU
Abris then continued his hot streak for Ateneo’s match against the DLSU Green Woodpushers. The Blue Eagle secured a checkmate against Gio Ventura, capturing the only win of Ateneo in this duel. Kis-ing then equalized against Rigil Pahamtang of the Green Woodpushers. However, Julado and Abeleda were overpowered by DLSU’s Angele Biete and Cyril Telesforo, respectively, handing the Blue and White a loss to their Taft counterparts.
Women’s vs DLSU
Over to the women’s games, veteran Flores secured the sole victory for the squad after taking the match against DLSU’s Checy Telesforo. Moreover, Gonzales settled for a deadlock against Lady Woodpusher Rinoa Sadey. Despite a valiant effort, both Marino and Villa faltered against Francois Magpily and Juzeia Agne, respectively, ultimately giving the victory to the Taft-based squad.
Women’s vs. UST
Eager to bounce back, the Women’s Team then faced the UST Female Woodpushers. Marino started strong, outwitting Precious Yecla. After her teammate’s performance, junior Gonzales also dominated the board against UST’s Josemier Panol. Meanwhile, Kristine Flores once again secured another win in her match against Rohanisah Buto. Lastly, Villa held Jamaica Lagrio to a draw, capping off a 3.5-1.5 win over the Black and Gold.
With these results, the Men’s Team looks to bounce back in their matchup against the UST Male Woodpushers, while the Women’s Team aims to extend their win streak against the National University Lady Bulldogs and the FEU Lady Tamaraws in their upcoming games.
The Women’s Team will open play at 9:00 AM, followed by the Men’s Team at 2:00 PM this Saturday, October 18, at the same venue.
