THE UST Male Woodpushers upset three-time defending champion National University, 2.5-1.5, while their female counterparts succumbed to Adamson University in the UAAP Season 81 chess tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Thursday.
Crucial wins by Male Woodpushers Brylle Vinluan and AJ Almodal against NU’s Rafael Caneda and Robin Ignacio in Boards 2 and 3, respectively, gave UST the upperhand, 2-1, before UST’s Venz Kwan settled for a draw against his opponent.
“Ina-anticipate ng lahat na ‘yong Board 1 natin na si Vinluan ay itatapat sa International Master ng NU na si Paulo Bersamina, kaso inilag ko siya (Vinluan) kaya doon kami sa lower boards nanalo,” UST head coach Ronald Dableo told the Varsitarian.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Bersamina was the lone bright spot for NU, defeating UST’s Jerlyn Villanueva.
In women’s play, the Female Woodpushers suffered a 1.5-2.5 loss against the Adamson University.
UST’s Glenderlyn Añana and Hilary Murillo bowed down to their respective opponents while team captain Highzzy Manaloto forced a draw against Adamson’s Jellie Magro.
May Ann Alcantara gave UST its lone win after outwitting Paula De la Cruz.
The men’s team remained at fourth place with 8.5 points, while the women’s team is at sixth place with 8 points.
UST chess teams will next face the De La Salle University on Sept. 29, Saturday, 1 p. m., at the same venue.
