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 the Adamson Gym on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
With an almost intact roster, the Tiger Woodpushers clinched the title as early as the penultimate round and finished the season with 17 match points on 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.
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 a perfect 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.
