International Master Mark Jay Bacojo of FEU in the UAAP Season 89 men's chess tournament. UAAP Media
MANILA — Far Eastern University made its move in the UAAP Season 89 chess competitions on Sunday, taking control of the men's and women's divisions with resounding victories in Round 2 at the BGPOP Building of the University of Santo Tomas' Manila campus.
The Tamaraws cruised to a commanding 4-0 sweep of Adamson University, led by International Master Mark Jay Bacojo [1.5/2.0], who capitalized on John Rocel Simon's [0.5/2.0] 23rd-move inaccuracy to gain a piece advantage before prevailing in a rook-versus-bishop endgame on the top board.
The victory propelled FEU into a three-way tie atop the standings with Ateneo de Manila University and five-time defending champion UST, with all three teams carrying three match points after two rounds. The Tamaraws, however, provisionally occupy first place by virtue of their superior board-point tiebreak.
On Board 2, National Master Oscar Cantela [1.5/2.0] complemented Bacojo's performance by forcing checkmate on the 47th move against National Master Michael Jan Inigo [1.0/2.0].
FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri [1.0/2.0] also bounced back from his opening-round setback with a victory over Joshua Roque [1.0/2.0] on Board 3, while National Master Jerish John Velarde remained perfect at [2.0/2.0] after defeating Juncin Estrella [0.5/2.0] to complete the sweep.
The Morayta-based squad also continued its dominance in the women's division with a lopsided 3-1 victory over Adamson, emerging as the opening-week leader with four match points. FEU took the top spot over the University of the Philippines, which also collected four match points after two rounds, by virtue of a superior tiebreak.
Woman International Master Ruelle Canino [2.0/2.0] sustained her perfect start after defeating Elaine Grace Antonio [0.0/1.0] in just 37 moves on Board 1 while playing the Queen's Gambit Declined with the black pieces.
Woman International Master Ruelle Canino in the UAAP Season 89 women's chess tournament. UAAP Media
On Board 3, Woman FIDE Master Franchesca Largo [2.0/2.0] likewise remained spotless following her victory over Janna Alindogan [0.0/1.0], while Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian [1.5/2.0] added another full point for FEU after prevailing over Christina Samarita [0.0/1.0] on Board 2.
Lira Placer [1.0/1.0] accounted for Adamson's lone victory after defeating Samantha Umayan [0.0/1.0] on Board 4.
In the other men's division matchups, UST handed opening-round leader De La Salle University its first defeat of the season after eking out a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory.
Chester Reyes [1.5/2.0] delivered the decisive full point for the defending champions on Board 2 after defeating National Master Karlycris Clarito Jr. [0.0/1.0].
Lee Roi Palma [1.0/2.0], National Master Jan Clifford Labog [1.5/2.0], and FIDE Master Carl Daluz [0.5/1.0] then settled for draws against National Master Tenshi Biete [1.5/2.0], FIDE Master Jethro Aquino [1.5/2.0], and Rigil Kent Pahamtang [1.5/2.0], respectively, to complete UST's first victory of the season.
Ateneo likewise climbed into a share of the lead after dispatching UP, 3-1, spearheaded by undefeated Cedric Abris [2.0/2.0], who defeated Cyrus Francisco [0.0/2.0] on Board 2.
Eowyn Jullado [1.0/1.0] and Ritchie Abeleda [1.5/2.0] added victories over Io Calica [0.0/2.0] and Rodernerz Adra [0.0/2.0], respectively, while Daniel Tagufa [1.0/2.0] supplied UP's lone point after defeating National Master Tyrhone Tabernilla [0.0/2.0] on Board 3.
Over in the remaining women's matches, UP kept pace with FEU after following up its opening-round upset of defending champion National University with another statement victory, stunning UST, 3-1.
Woman National Master Jerlyn San Diego [2.0/2.0] and Maryss Caldoza [2.0/2.0] remained perfect after defeating Precious Day Yecla [0.5/2.0] and Trina Temple [1.0/2.0] on Boards 1 and 4, respectively.
On Board 3, Woman National Master Antonella Racasa [1.5/2.0] defeated Christine Tabungar [0.0/1.0] to complete the Fighting Maroons' 3-1 victory, while Raiza Mae Locmayaoan [0.0/2.0] succumbed to Woman National Master Daren Dela Cruz [1.5/2.0] on Board 2.
La Salle, meanwhile, barged into the win column in emphatic fashion after dismantling Ateneo, 3.5-0.5.
Lovely Ann Geraldino [1.5/2.0], Juzeia Marielle Agne [1.0/2.0], and Checy Telesforo [1.0/2.0] scored full points for the Taft-based squad against Francine Magpily [0.5/2.0], Alphecca Gonzales [0.0/2.0], and Yzabell Nabor [0.5/2.0] on Boards 2, 3, and 4, respectively.
Woman National Master Heart Padilla [0.5/2.0], meanwhile, split the point with Ateneo's Ma. Elayza Villa [1.0/2.0] on the top board.
Round 3 of the women's division is set for Thursday, October 8, at 8:30 a.m. at the same venue, while Round 3 of the men's division resumes on Sunday, October 11.