The UST Tiger Woodpushers dominated the boards and claimed the title in UAAP Season 87 Men's Chess Tournament, achieving a four-peat in the process.
University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Woodpushers made history by completing a four-peat and securing its 11th title overall after dominating the UAAP Season 87 Men's Chess Tournament at the Adamson Gym on Tuesday, November 19.
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.
"Sa sobrang saya ko, magba-Baguio kami. Medyo may gastos ako dun syempre. Hindi pa namin kasi siya nailalapit sa UST, natuwa lang din ako sa mga bata na ginawa pa rin nila yung best nila kahit nga nagkaroon kami ng talo nung una," shared Dableo.
Dableo was referring to a shaky start when UST suffered a stunning Round 2 loss to De La Salle University. However, his players showed great poise, overcoming the adversity to win by at least two points in six of the last seven rounds.
"Di talaga namin ineexpect yun kasi ang ineexpect naming contender is yung FEU kasi puro sila mga titled players. Kaya nung tinalo kami nung La Salle, sobrang nagulat kami. Buti na lang, mga beterano na rin sa UAAP yung mga players ko. Natural na lang sa kanila yung matalo tapos babalik," Dableo explained, reflecting on what transpired during the season.
FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz anchored UST’s title defense with an undefeated record across nine matches, earning this year's MVP award with a gold medal performance on the top board.
"It was a dream come true for Daluz, who admits to having MVP aspirations when he entered the UAAP as a rookie last season.
"Masaya ako sa MVP kasi pinagpaguran ko talaga yun. Pinaghandaan ko talaga yung season na to. Last year, goal ko na rin talaga yung MVP kaso ganun talaga, hindi para sakin eh. Ngayon nagprepare talaga ko para makuha ko yung MVP," he said.
The Espana-based squad further highlighted its stellar season by sweeping 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).