THE UST Woodpushers fell short against the National University and the Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 80 chess tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Sunday.
The Male Woodpushers absorbed a 1.5-2.5 loss against NU, while the Female Woodpushers dropped a 0.5-3.5 verdict against FEU.
“Hindi ma-manage yung time pressure, na-ra-rattle sa time pressure ‘yung winning (boards),” UST head coach Ronald Dableo told the Varsitarian.
NU’s Ryan Magtabog outsmarted UST’s Petter Ablid to seal the win, 2.5-1.5, in Board 4.
Down 0.5-1.5, Male Woodpusher Michael Flores tied the series after outwitting NU’s Rafael Caneda.
In women’s play, Female Woodpusher Highzzy Manaloto salvaged a draw with FEU’s Shania Mendoza while Cyamir Villanueva, May Ann Alcantara and Michaela Concio all suffered defeats from their respective opponents.
The Male Woodpushers fell to a tie with University of the East at fifth place with 7.5 points while the Female Woodpushers stayed still at fourth seed with eight points.
The Male and Female Woodpushers will face Far Eastern University and De La Salle University, respectively, on March 3, Saturday, at the same venue.
