University of Santo Tomas blanked Ateneo de Manila University, 4-0, at the start of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 men’s chess tournament at the FEU Diliman Sports Complex on Saturday.
Reigning Board 1 bronze medalist Julius Gonzales drew first blood at the expense of Ateneo’s Joshua Tan after 31 moves of an Old Benoni Defense.
In Board 3, Brylle Gever Vinluan also won with white against Hans Jeremy Reyes in 40 moves of a Slav Defense.
Season 84 silver medalists Melito Ocsan Jr. (Board 2) and Lee Roi Palma (Board 4) completed the sweep against Christopher Khalil Kis-ing and Paul Mathew Llanillo, respectively.
Season 84 runner-up University of the Philippines stayed within striking distance after a 3-1 victory over Adamson University.
UP won the first two board matches through FIDE Master Stephen Rome Pangilinan and Mark James Marcellana while Michael Johann Olladas and Jan Darryl Batula drerw their matches to preserve the win.
In the other match, De La Salle University and Far Eastern University fought to a 2-all deadlock.
The Archers scored through Daniel John Lemi and Cyril Felrod Telesforo while the Tamaraws struck through Lorenzo Aaron Cantela and Hans Ezekiel Olorosisimo.
