Far Eastern University is smelling the championships with still three rounds to go.

This after the Tams obliterated the De La Salle Archers, 4-0, to add more points to an already massive lead after 11 rounds in the Men’s Division of the UAAP Season 82 Chess Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Saturday.

And the Tams did it by resting their top two players—Jeth Romy Morado and RK Sevillano.

The decision to rest Morado, the reigning national juniors champion, for the second straight round, as well Sevillano was made in the last minute.

It didn’t affect FEU a bit as JM Jacutina, Darry Bernardo, John Jasper Laxamana and Israelito Rilloraza still delivered the much-needed points that hiked their total to 35.5 points, or an almost insurmountable 6.5 points ahead of closest pursuer University of Santo Tomas.

The Tigers managed just a 2.5-1.5 triumph over a gritty Ateneo side on victories by Julius Gonzales and Brylle Gever Vinluan on first and third boards while AJ Almodal split the point with Alexander Santos on fourth board.

The Eagles’ lone win came from Tristan Jared Cervero, who brought down Samson Lim III on the second board.

And it is starting to look like there is not stopping FEU from claiming their 15th championship that would underscore its dominance of UAAP men’s chess.

“I must admit we’re getting closer but we still have to keep on working hard and not become too complacent,” said UAAP coach Jayson Gonzales.

FEU tackles Ateneo, University of the East and UST in their last games.

In other pairings, UE edged NU, 2.5-1.5, and Adamson and UP fought to a 2-2 standoff.PR