UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas made history by completing a “four-peat” and securing its 11th title overall after dominating the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Chess Tournament at the Adamson Gym on Tuesday.
With an almost intact championship roster, the Tiger Woodpushers clinched the title as early as the penultimate round and finished the season with 17 match points, earning eight wins, one draw, and one loss.
UST head coach Ronald Dableo couldn’t help but bask in the glory of this record fourth straight UAAP chess championship, marking the longest reign in the school’s history.
“Sa sobrang saya ko, magba-Baguio kami. Medyo may gastos ako du’n syempre. Hindi pa namin kasi siya nailalapit sa UST, natuwa lang din ako sa mga bata na ginawa pa rin nila ‘yung best nila kahit nga nagkaroon kami ng talo nu’ng una,” said Dableo.
Dableo was referring to a shaky start when UST suffered a stunning Round 2 loss to De La Salle University. However, his players showed great poise, overcoming the adversity to win by at least two points in six of the last seven rounds.
FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz anchored UST’s title defense with an undefeated record across nine matches, earning this year’s MVP award with a gold medal performance on the top board.
The Espana-based squad further highlighted its stellar season by sweeping the gold medals in all boards, with Chester Reyes (Board 2), Jan Clifford Labog (Board 3), Melito Ocsan Jr. (Board 4), Lee Roi Palma (Board 5), and Julius Gonzales (Board 6) each claiming a gold.
University of the Philippines improved to second place this season, thanks to the stellar performances of rookies Roderenz Adra and Io Aristotle Calica.
Far Eastern University, led by Rookie of the Year FIDE Master Mark Bacojo, finished third after overcoming De La Salle University in the final round.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University went undefeated throughout the season to secure its second consecutive title in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Chess Tournament at the Adamson Gym on Tuesday.
The Lady Tamaraws dominated the field with 10 wins and 2 draws, clinching the title as early as Round 12.
“I think they really deserve it because the players truly worked hard. Especially throughout the duration of the UAAP, the players took the initiative to study on their own. That’s really the most important thing for a player,” said FEU assistant coach and Woman Grandmaster Janelle Frayna of the Lady Tamaraws.
Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian was the cornerstone of FEU’s Season 87 championship, leading the charge from the top board with seven wins, three draws, and two losses. She earned the gold medal and the MVP award.
“Very thankful ako kay God kasi po throughout this tournament ginabayan niya po ako even though may mga naging talo rin po ako. Nung natalo kasi ako, napanghindaan ako ng loob. After that ang naging mindset ko na lang is just play your game,” shared Sebastian, who also won the UAAP MVP in the girls’ division two seasons ago.
