National University took the men’s lead, while Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines shared the top spot in the women’s division after three rounds of the UAAP Season 78 chess tournament over the long weekend at the Henry Sy Hall inside the De La Salle University campus.
Vince Medina and Jefferson Mansanero took charge as the Bulldogs bested Ateneo, 3-1, to seize the solo hold of the leadership with nine points.
As IM Paolo Bersamina and FM Austin Literatus drew their matches against IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia and Jose Lat in Boards 1 and 2, NU drew wins from Medina and Mansanero, who defeated Louell Que and Lorenzo Miguel Marquez, respectively, to stay unbeaten in the season.
The Bulldogs earlier defeated the Tamaraws, 3-1, and University of the East, 3-1, to set their title bid in motion.
Trailing NU is defending champion La Salle, which beat UE (3-1), Adamson University (3-1) and University of Santo Tomas (2.5-1.5) to rank second with 8.5 points.
As reigning MVP WIM Janelle Mae Frayna and WFM Shaina Mendoza struggled, titleholder FEU drew big victories from Glady Romero and Venice Vicente in the lower boards to nip the Lady Maroons, 2.5-1.5, to tie their victims in first place with nine points apiece.
The Lady Tamaraws earlier trounced the Lady Eagles, 4-0, and the Lady Archers, 2.5-1.5, while UP blanked the Lady Falcons, 4-0, and the Lady Warriors, 3.5-.5.