THE UST Woodpushers suffered back-to-back losses at the end of the first round of the UAAP Season 78 chess tournament at the De La Salle University Henry Sy hall last Feb. 25.
The Male and Female Woodpushers faltered against the league-leading National University and University of the Philippines, 1.5-2.5, respectively.
UST’s lone win came from Timothy So Kua, who prevailed over Federation Internationale des Echecs Master Austin Literatus in Board 2.
Woodpushers Normel De Jesus and Christian Flores both yielded to International Master Paulo Bersamino and Vince Medina, respectively, while UST’s Heirry Manaloto settled for a draw against Angelo Mansanero in Board 4.
In women’s play, Michelle Yaon secured the Female Woodpushers’ only victory after defeating Woman National Master Christy Lamiel Bernales in Board 2.
UST’s Michella Concio only afforded a draw with Arvie Lozano in Board 1. Cyamir Villanueva and Concio’s sister, Michaela, both succumbed to Lady Maroons Ynna Canape and Ruth De Guzman, respectively.
“Nagba-blunder ‘yung [players]. Kasama sa laro kasi [‘yung careless mistakes], pero so far [after the first round,] okay naman,” said Junior Woodpushers head coach Peter Lim, who also supervised the senior teams in the absence of head coach Ronald Dableo.
The Male Woodpushers are now in second place with 17.5 points behind NU while the Female Woodpushers hold the fourth spot with 16 points. Randell Angelo B. Ritumalta
