THE ATENEO Chess Teams secure varying results to begin the second week of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Chess Tournament. The contest was held earlier today, October 4, at the Adamson University Gym in the City of Manila.
The Men’s Team emerged victorious against rivals De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Woodpushers in a convincing 3-1 victory, while the Women’s Team faltered against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 1.5-2.5
Leading the way for the Men’s team were Cedric Abris, Knarf Batislaong, Ritchie Abeleda, and Team Captain Khalil Kis-ing.
To kick off the day for the Blue and White, Abris outwitted Angele Biete of the Green Woodpushers in Board 1, scoring Ateneo’s first point. Veteran Batislaong then fell to Cyril Telesforo in Board 2, leading to a 1-1 deadlock. However, the Blue Eagles took control of the two remaining boards as Abeleda and Kis-ing cruised past Rigil Pahamtang and Karlycris Clarito Jr., respectively. This dominant performance marks the team’s first victory of the season.
Over in the Women’s division, representing the Blue and White were Jiessel Marino, Team Captain Elayza Villa, Alphecca Gonzales, and Francine Magpily.
The reigning Blitz Chess Most Valuable Player Villa captured the sole victory as she outsmarted NU’s Jersey Marticio in Board 2. Meanwhile, junior Gonzalez managed to force a stalemate in Board 3 against Kyla Dalagan of the Lady Bulldogs. Finally, Marino and Magpily both faltered against Allaney Jia Doroy and Queen Rose Pamplona, respectively, leading to a defeat against last season’s bronze medalists.
With these results, the Ateneo Men’s Chess Team aims to carry their momentum as they face the University of Santo Tomas Male Woodpushers and the Adamson University Soaring Falcons. Meanwhile, the Ateneo Women’s Chess Team aims for redemption against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
All matches are scheduled for tomorrow, October 5, 9:00 AM, at the same venue.
