FEU, UST OFF TO GOOD START IN UAAP CHESS

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—INSPIRED by their chess coach grandmasters, the Far Eastern University and University of Sto. Tomas chess team got off to a great start beating Adamson University, 3-1, and De La Salle University, 3.5-0.5, respectively, at the start of the 72nd season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) chess team championships College men’s divisions for School year 2009-2010 yesterday at the UST’s new Tan Yan Kee Student Center in Espana, Manila.

The Morayta based squad, under the tutelage of FEU head coach GM Jayson Gonzales, opened their four-peat bid on a bright note, as top gunner Lyndon Sombilon beat Ronnie Lord Guerra (35 moves of Queens Gambit Declined), last year Rookie of the Year Sheider Nabato edged Fernando Reyes Jr. (42 moves of King’s Indian Defense) and Luffe Magdalaga toppled Daniel Casil Jr. (27 moves of Bird’s Opening), on board 1, 3 and 4, respectively.

Board 2 player Tristan Soriano saved the day for a possible shut-out loss of the Falcons beating Tamaraws James Bulicatin (52 moves of Giuco Piano Opening).

“So far, so good. Maganda ang simula ng FEU team,” said FEU head coach GM Jayson Gonzales. “Sana mahawakan namin ang momentum,” added assistant coach NM Alex Milagrosa.

Last year’s runner-up and host school UST shocked DLSU with Joey Albert Florendo leading the charge for the growling Tigers defeating Paolo Lorenzo Bautista after 30 pushes of King’s Indian Skirmirsh. Team mates Gerald Ferriol and Patrick Florendo won their first round matches against Mari Joseph Turqueza (25 moves of Slav Defense) and Revin Brian Vasallo (42 moves of Caro-Kann Defense), in order.

La Salle’s board 3 player Emmanuel Emperado could only contribute a draw for the Green Archers against Jude Fronda after 40 moves of Giuco Piano Opening.

“Sa tingin ko FEU pa din ang mabigat na kalaban sa titulo. Pero inaasahan natin na may mga teams na magbibigay ng sorpresa,” said UST head coach GM-elect Ronald Dableo, the 2003 Vietnam Asian 3.2 zonal champion.

In other results, University of the Philippines beat University of the East, 2.5-1.5, while Ateneo de Manila University settled a 2-2 draw with National University.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president / chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. visit the opening day yesterday and watch the intense game of the most popular Collegiate event in the country.

In the distaff side, the Lady Tamaraws which composed of WNM Jedara Docena, Rulp Ylem Jose, Jenny Rose Palomo and Lovelyn Medina open their retention title bid with a 3-1 victory over the Lady Bulldogs.

The Baby Tamaraws, meantime blanked the Baby Bulldogs, 4-0, for the junior division. Tournament arbiter Elias Lao, a certified national master and international arbiter, said games will be held every Saturday and Sunday.