FEU BEATS LA SALLE; GRABS LEAD IN UAAP SENIORS CHESS

FAR Eastern University continued its impressive showing after blanking De La Salle University (4-0) to grabs the solo leadership board in the seniors men’s division after round 9 in the 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 Tamaraw playing under the banner of head coach two-time Olympian GM Jayson Gonzales is composed of Lyndon Sombilon, James Bulicatin, Sheider Nebato and Kevin Mirano trounced the Green Archers comprises by Paolo Bautista, Mari Joseph Turqueza, Emmanuel Emperado and Brian Vasallo, respectively.

“Our preparation had paid off,” said head coach GM Jayson Gonzales. “We hope to sustain our momentum,” he added.

The Morayta-based school is currently 26.5 points, who is looking for a historic four-peat title in this tournament supervised by International arbiter/ national master Elias Lao.

GM Ronald Dableo’s University of Sto.Tomas, on the other hand settled a truce with Jojo Aquino’s National University (2-2) to raise their total 26 points for solo second place.

At third place is University of the East (UE) of legendary coach Harold “Henry” Mariano who edged Adamson University (ADU) of candidate master Christopher Rodriguez (2.5-1.5) for 21 points. University of the Philippines (UP) of Fide Master Leonardo Carlos took solo fourth after beating Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) (3-1) for 16.5 points, half point ahead with fifth placer NU who totes 16 points.

DLSU remains at 15.5 points for sixth placers followed by ADU (14 points) and ADMU (8.5 points).

ADMU (20 points) and ADU (22.5 points), meanwhile leading the race in the seniors women’s and juniors divisions, respectively.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO