UAAP chess: Dominant UST secures four-peat in men’s chess

UST Tiger Woodpushers celebrate another title in the UAAP Season 87 men’s chess tournament. –UAAP PHOTO

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 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.

“I’m so happy that we’re planning a trip to Baguio. Of course, there’s some expense involved,” shared coach Dableo with a smile. “We haven’t brought the celebration to UST yet, but I’m really proud of the players for giving their best, even after we faced a loss earlier in the season.”

Dableo was referring to UST’s unexpected Round 2 loss to La Salle. Despite the setback, the team bounced back with composure, winning six of their last seven rounds by at least two points.

“We didn’t expect that because we thought FEU would be our main contender since their team is full of titled players,” Dableo said. “So when La Salle beat us, it really surprised us. Luckily, our players are experienced in the UAAP. Losing doesn’t faze them—they know how to recover and fight back.”

Fide Master Christian Mark Daluz anchored UST’s title defense with an undefeated record across nine matches to earn this year’s MVP award with a gold medal performance on the top board.

Fide Master Christian Mark Daluz of UST wins the UAAP Season 87 men’s chess MVP award. –UAAP PHOTO

It was a dream come true for Daluz, who admits to having MVP aspirations when he entered the UAAP as a rookie last season.

“I’m happy about winning the MVP because I really worked hard for it. I prepared a lot for this season. Last year, being MVP was already my goal, but it just wasn’t meant for me then. This time, I made sure to prepare to achieve it,” he said.

UST swept 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.

Bacojo earned the silver medal on Board 1, with UP’s Fide Master Stephen Pangilinan taking the bronze.

La Salle rookie Angele Biete added to the Green Archers’ celebrations by winning the silver medal on Board 2, while UP’s Cyrus Francisco earned the bronze.

On Board 3, Adra took the silver, as FEU’s Fide Master John Merill Jacutina claimed the bronze.

UP’s Calica and La Salle’s Daniel John Lemi bagged the silver and bronze medals, respectively, on Board 4, while Istraelito Rilloraza (FEU) and Norberto Manuel (Ateneo) won silver and bronze medals, respectively, on Board 5.

On the Board 6 podium, Gonzales was joined by FEU’s Christian Olaybal (silver) and Adamson University’s Dustin Herrero (bronze).