THE UST Male Woodpushers outmaneuvered the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 3.5-.5, to open their UAAP Season 86 men’s chess tournament campaign on a high note at the FEU Tech Gym on Saturday, Oct 14.
The Woodpushers, who are gunning for a third-straight title, secured two match points behind three wins and one draw.
“Good start ito kasi Ateneo talaga ang isa sa mga contenders ngayon, unlike last year na below average sila, ngayon fully packed na rin sila,” UST head coach Ronald Dableo told the Varsitarian.
Melito Ocsan Jr. made quick work of Season 85 Rookie of the Year Khalil Kis-Ing in 33 moves to notch UST’s first win of the day.
Reigning MVP Julius Gonzales outplayed Janmyl Tisado in 50 moves, while rookie Chester Reyes defeated Tristan Cervero in 40 moves.
FIDE Master Mark Daluz made his UAAP debut and settled for a draw against Jasper Faeldonia in Board 1.
“First time niya (Daluz) kasi makalaro ng UAAP, so baka nangangapa pa nang kaunti,” Dableo said.
In the women’s division, the UST Lady Woodpushers fell short against the UP Fighting Maroons, 1.5-2.5.
UST’s Rohanisa Buto prevailed in 37 moves against Geraldine Guyo, while team captain Josemier Panol forced a draw against Precious Ferrer.
Joannah Olay and Princes Oncita succumbed to Jerlyn San Diego and Jallen Agra in 31 and 40 moves, respectively.
The Lady Woodpushers’ junior counterparts had a similar record after absorbing a 1.5-2.5 loss to NU Nazareth School in the girls’ division.
The UAAP adopted a new scoring system for Season 86 that aligns with rules implemented by the FIDE for the team’s overall result: two points for every win, one point for a draw, and zero for a loss.
The UST Male Woodpushers and Lady Woopushers will next face the UP Fighting Maroons and FEU Lady Tamaraws on Oct. 15, Sunday, 1 p.m. at the same venue. Brenn Allen L. Flores
