THE UST Male Woodpushers suffered their first loss, falling to the FEU Tamaraws, 2.5-1.5, to wrap up Stage 1 of the UAAP men’s chess tournament at the Adamson Gym on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Despite the loss, the Male Woodpushers remained at the top of the standings with eight match points and 13.5 game points. Meanwhile, FEU inched closer in second place with seven match points and 11 game points.
“Hindi ko rin ma-trace ‘yong nangyari,” UST head coach Ronald Dableo told the Varsitarian. “‘Yong (resulta) sa mens ang hindi ko na-expect.”
In Board 1, FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz settled for a stalemate against fellow FIDE Master Mark Bacojo, while Chester Reyes secured UST’s lone victory, handing Jesh Velarde his first defeat this season in Board 2.
In Board 3, Chester Reyes was outwitted by rookie Oscar Cantela’s Queen’s Gambit Declined defense following 43 moves.
In Board 4, Jan Clifford Labog’s Season 88 woes continued after bowing to Christian Olaybal in only 35 moves.
In the boys’ division, the Junior Male Woodpushers thwarted the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 3-1, to retain their top seed after Stage 1 with eight match points and 12.5 game points.
Meanwhile, Adamson fell to two match points and six game points.
In Board 1, Gabriel Paradero settled for a draw against Adamson’s Bryce Bayani after 57 moves.
In Board 2, King Lanz Pamplona managed to secure his first win after overcoming Allan Dolfo’s King Fianchetto Defense in 58 moves.
In 60 moves, John Cyrus Borce settled for a tie with Jonver Acosta on Board 3, while Jian Rivera triumphed over Jian Bautista’s Queen Pawn Defense in Board 4 after 95 moves.
The Male Woodpushers will meet the Tamaraws again as Stage 2 begins Saturday, Oct. 11, at the same venue, while their high school counterparts will also face the Soaring Falcons.
