FEU, ADAMSON RULE 72ND UAAP CHESS

WINNING, it seems, has become  a habit for  Far Eastern University.

The Tamaraws woodpushers playing under the banner of two-time Olympian GM Jayson Gonzales and NM Alex Milagrosa topped the men’s and women’s event after beating host University of Sto. Tomas in the final round at the conclusion of 72nd season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) chess team championships at the UST’s new Tan Yan Kee Student Center in Espana, Manila on Sunday.

The Tamaraws which is composed of Lyndon Sombilon, Sheider Nebato, Luffe Magdalaga, Antonio Chavez Jr. and Kevin Mirano tallied a total 42 points to capture the coveted title plus historic four-peat title after 3.5-0.5 against the Tiger in the last round yesterday.

The Lady Tamaraws, meantime headed by 2006 Doha Asian games representative WNM Jedara Docena, Ronna Reigner Senora, Jenny Rose Palomo, Rulp Ylem Jose and Lovelyn Medina tallied a total 31.5 points to enroute the title in the distaff side. They beat the Lady Tiger, 3-1.

” Our hard work paid off because we never stopped practicing after we won the Unigames, Ched National finals among other collegiate competitions,” said Gonzales.

In the junior division, FEU failed for a historic sweep in three division (men’s, women’s and juniors) after notching total 36 points, half point behind with eventual champion Adamson University with 36.5 points. It was a three-peat/ grandslam title for the Baby Falcons.

” Mabuti na lamang ay ahead kami (Adamson) ng half point sa FEU going to the last round. Kung nag tie kasi baka FEU pa ang nag champ thru tie break,” said Rodriguez.
International arbiter Elias Lao supervised the said chessfest.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.