UAAP: UST remains in control in men's chess

FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz of UST in action in the UAAP Season 87 men's chess tournament. UAAP MediaMANILA -- University of Santo Tomas cruised to a fourth straight win in the UAAP Season 87 men's chess tournament, sweeping Ateneo de Manila University 4-0 in Round 6 on Sunday. 

The defending champions now hold 10 match points, placing them three points ahead of a three-way tie for second between Far Eastern University, University of the Philippines, and De La Salle University.

FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz (6/6) continued to lead UST with an unbroken winning streak, securing his sixth consecutive victory by outmaneuvering Paul Matthew Llanillo (2/6) in 30 moves on Board 1. 

Skipper Melito Ocsan Jr. (4/5) also shone, defeating Ateneo's Knarf Bastislaong (3/6) on Board 3 in 39 moves of a Sicilian Defense.

Chester Reyes (3/4) and Julius Gonzales (1/2) completed UST's domination, defeating Christopher Kis-ing (2/6) and Norberto Manuel (0/1) on Boards 2 and 4, respectively.

In the women's division, UP pulled off an upset over second-ranked DLSU with a close 2.5-1.5 result.

With all other women's matches ending in 2-2 draws in Round 8, Jerlyn San Diego (3/5) led UP's charge from the bottom of the standings by defeating Woman National Master Francois Magpily (4/7). 

Precious Eve Ferrer (1/6) bounced back from five straight losses, claiming victory over Arena Grandmaster Sara Olendo (3/7) on Board 2, while Jallen Agra (4/7) secured the Fighting Maroons' win by forcing a draw with Rinoa Sadey (4.5/7) on Board 3.

La Salle's lone win in Round 8 came from Checy Telesforo (3.5/5), who bested Raiza Locmayoan (2/5) on Board 4. Despite the loss, the Lady Woodpushers held onto second place with 10 match points, while UP moved up to sixth with four match points.

FEU also registered a sweep in Round 6 of the men's division, defeating Adamson University 4-0.

FIDE Master Mark Bacojo (4/5), Dale Bernardo (2.5/4), FIDE Master John Merill Jacutina (4/6), and Istraelito Rilloraza (2/3) all notched wins over their Adamson opponents—John Frederick Sunga (0/3), Vince Arellano (0/3), Joshua Roque (1.5/6), and John Rocel Simon (1/6), respectively.

In other women's matches, National University (NU) shared a 2-2 draw with Ateneo, holding third place with nine match points. 

NU's Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy (4.5/7) and Jelaine Adriano (2/3) claimed victories over Kristine Flores (1.5/5) and Jiessel Marino (0/3). 

Meanwhile, Ateneo's Ma. Elayza Villa (5/7) and Lexie Hernandez (5.5/7) outplayed Natasja Balabbo (5/7) and Princess Ballete (1/3) on Boards 2 and 3, respectively.

UST's match with Adamson also ended in a 2-2 draw, with Josemier Panol (4.5/6) and Precious Yecla (4/7) delivering points for the Tigress Woodpushers, defeating Angela San Luis (0.5/7) and Christine Hernandez (0/3) on Boards 1 and 2. 

Adamson's Robelle de Jesus (4.5/6) recorded her third straight win by defeating Rohanisah Buto (1/5) on Board 3, while Phoebie Arellano (3.5/7) secured victory over UST's Princess Oncita (2/5) on Board 4.

In the men's division, UP and La Salle also settled for a 2-2 draw, keeping both teams in contention for podium finishes at third and fourth, respectively.

UP's Cyrus Francisco (3.5/6) rebounded from a Round 5 loss by defeating DLSU's previously unbeaten Angelo Biete (4/6). 

Roderenz Adra (3/6) and Io Aristotle Calica (4/6) held their own with draws on Boards 3 and 4 against Jester Sistoza (1.5/3) and Daniel John Lemi (4/6). 

On Board 1, Cyril Telesforo (2/6) halted a two-game losing streak by overcoming FIDE Master Stephen Pangilinan (3/6), who suffered his third consecutive loss.

The women's division will resume with Round 9 on Wednesday, while Round 7 of the men's division is set for Saturday.

In the high school division, Far Eastern University-Diliman is closing in on a championship sweep, as they are still unbeaten after six rounds. 

With three matches left, the Baby Tamaraws maintained their lead in the boys' division, now holding 10 match points after a dominant 3.5-0.5 victory over winless De La Salle Zobel.

In the girls' division, FEU-D maintained its top position despite a 2-2 draw with University of Santo Tomas, their closest challenger for the title.