The UST Male Woodpushers continued to display their dominance in the UAAP Season 85 men’s chess tournament after outsmarting the De La Salle University Woodpushers, 3-1, at the FEU Diliman Sports Complex on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
UST team captain Brylle Vinluan beat DLSU’s Daniel John Lemi in 41 moves, while rookie Antonio Almodal III made a successful debut after relying on his Sicilian defense against Jester Sistoza.
Woodpushers Julius Gonzales and Lee Roi Palma settled for draws in their individual matches.
The Male Woodpushers’ two wins and two draws helped them solidify their hold of the top spot with 11 points.
In the women’s division, the UST Lady Woodpushers are now tied with the defending chess champions NU Bulldogs after tallying 6.5 points.
UST settled for a 2-2 tie with the UP Fighting Maroons.
UP’s Justnin Macapuno remained undefeated this season after outplaying UST’s rookie Rohanisa Buto, while Precious Eve Ferrer dominated UST’s Maycydel Fajardo.
UST recovered after Josemier Panol downed Jarel Renz Lacambra, followed by another win of Jamaica Marie Lagrio against UP’s Jee Ann Barry Faye.
The UST Male Woodpushers will try to bag their fourth-straight win against the FEU Tamaraws on Sunday, Nov. 27 while the Lady Woodpushers will face the defending champions National University on Saturday, Nov. 19. John Peter L. Cajayon
