FEU woodpushers end UAAP chess 1st round on top

Far Eastern University scored a 2.5-1.5 upset over defending champion University of Santo Tomas to force a two-way tie on top of the standings in the men’s division of the 72nd UAAP chess tournament at University of Santo Tomas’ Tan Yan Kee student center.

The win pulled the Tamaraws even with their victims as both teams ended the first round with 20 points. Aside from FEU’s stunning victory over UST, the Morayta-based woodpushers also posted a 4-0 decision against Ateneo while the Tigers settled for a 2-2 draw with the University of the East Red Warriors. "We do not want to commit the same mistakes we did last year in the first round where we lost to UST. We were just lucky to have the breaks of the game on our side in the endgame (Round 6)," said FEU coach and Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales. University of the Philippines finished third with 13.5 points after beating Ateneo de Manila, 3-1. FEU also topped the women’s side with the Lady Tamaraws compiling 18.5 points followed by Ateneo with 17 while University of the Philippines placed third with 11.5 markers. The Lady Eagles hiked their record after a 2.5-1.5 triumph over defending champion La Salle in their last match. – GMANews.TV