FEU CHESSERS CLINCH FIFTH STRAIGHT UAAP CHESS TITLE

(Photos courtesy of Michael Reyes)









BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THE Far Eastern University (FEU) chess team clinched their fifth straight senior mens title at the conclusion of 73rd season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) chess team championships.

Playing under the banner of head coach two-time Olympian GM Jayson Gonzales, the Tamaraws subdued University of Sto. Tomas, 3.5-.5, in the 14th and final round was held at the FEU campus in Manila on Sunday.

Lennon Heart Salgados, Sheider Nebato and Antonio Chavez Jr. beat Gerald Ferriol, Patrick Florendo and Antonio Chavez Jr., on board 1 to 3, respectively. Growling Tigers John Zacarias plit the point with Kevin Mirano to prevent his team for a possible shut-out loss.

The Baby Tamaraws completed the double celebration of the Morayta based school as they trouncing the Baby Tigers, 4-0, with Vince Angelo Medina, Jerad Docena, Mc Dominique Lagula and Enrica Villa carried the fight for FEU.The Lady Archers, meantime took the senior womens crown after edging lady Tigers, 2.5-1.5
　
Over-all, the Tamaraws finish a total 46.5 points, the Baby Tamaraws notch a total 40.5 points while the Lady Tigers tallied a total 45 points.
　
"Our hard work paid off because we never stopped practicing after we won the Unigames, CHED [Commission on Higher Education] National Finals among other collegiate competitions as well the 12th Rakan Muda Grand ASEAN Chess Challenge (GACC) World Inter-Varsity Chess Championships 2007 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.," said Gonzales, who thanked Dr. Lydia Echauz (FEU President), Anton Montinola (UAAP board member) Mark Oliver Molina (FEU Athletic Director) and Dr. Miriam Garcia (FEU-Fern College, Directress).

" Saka hindi din magtatagumpay kami kung hindi sa walang sawang suporta ng mga shool officials," he added.

Adjudged over-all individual winners are Sheider Nebato of FEU (MVP/ Senior mens), Jerad Docena of FEU (MVP/ juniors) and Jan Jodilyn Fronda of La Salle (MVP/ Rookie/ Senior womens).