Manila: University of Santo Tomas (UST) bagged its fifth consecutive men's title while National University (NU) successfully defended the women's title in the UAAP Season 88 chess tournament. The event concluded on Sunday at the Adamson University gym.

According to Philippines News Agency, Chester Reyes (Board 2), Lee Roi Palma (Board 3), Mark Reyes (Board 5), and Allan Hilario (Board 6) each received gold medals, while FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz (Board 1) secured a silver as UST triumphed over the University of the Philippines with a score of 3.5-0.5. "I'm so happy and it's a big achievement for me (champion and MVP) because even though our senior teammates are gone, we were still able to perform this season. I hope it continues," said Reyes.

UST concluded the tournament with a total of 16.0 points, followed by Far Eastern University with 14.0, De La Salle University with 11.0, Ateneo with 9.0, UP with 8.0, and Adamson with 2.0.

In the women's division, NU amassed 21.0 points, followed by DLSU with 19.0, FEU with 17.0, UST with 12.0, Ateneo with 8.0, Adamson with 5.0, and UP with 2.0. Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy claimed the gold medal as the Board 1 player and achieved her second MVP award as NU secured its third title after previous victories in Seasons 84 and 85. "I'm super proud and happy because this is my last playing year and I got the MVP and the team is a champion. I'm very thankful because the Lord gave us the opportunity to win the championship again after two seasons," expressed Doroy, who was also named MVP in Seasons 81 and 82.

Meanwhile, UST showcased dominance in the high school division, winning both the boys' title with a total of 15.0 points and the girls' title with 16.0 points.