University of Santo Tomas and National University made historic runs in the UAAP Season 84 chess tournament Wednesday evening, June 15 at the Far Eastern University Engeering Building Auditorium in Sampaloc, Manila.
The Tiger Woodpushers won the men's chess title for the first time in 10 years while the Lady Bulldogs captured their first-ever crown in the women's division.
UST, which won its last title a decade ago in Season 75, clinched its eighth championship and dethroned back-to-back champion FEU.
The Espana-based squad finished with 28 points and won the last round against De La Salle, 2.5-1.5.
"Ako kasi, I can say na talagang high caliber 'yong mga players natin," said UST head coach Ronald Dableo. "Malaking factor na 'yong mga players natin mga beterano na talaga yan mula high school, nag-e-MVP, nag-go-gold medalist. Tuluy-tuloy 'yon siyempre."
University of the Philippines clinched silver medal with 26 points while FEU settled for bronze this season with 25 points.
FEU veteran Jeth Romy Morado bested UP rookie Jan Daryl Batula in the tiebreaker armageddon to win the Most Valuable Player plum. Batula, for his part, was hailed as Rookie of the year.
In women's play, NU had already bagged the title virtually prior to Wednesday's matches.
Despite losing against the Lady Archers on the final day, 1.5-2.5, the Lady Bulldogs still yielded the highest score with 26.5 points en route to their inaugural championship.
De La Salle finished with 21 points while Adamson placed second runner-up after breaking the deadlock against Ateneo. The Lady Falcons and the Blue Eagles share 15.5 points but the former had nine match points compared to the latter's six.
Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy hit two birds with one stone and won both the ROTY and MVP awards following a perfect 6-0 campaign in all of her matches.
"Siyempre, sobrang saya po and overwhelming kasi two years din po kaming napahinga," said Doroy, who was also part of the girls team that won the title in Season 82 in the junior level. "Uhaw na uhaw po kami sa championship trophy din po talaga."
NU's girls team won back-to-back titles back in Seasons 81 and Season 82.