After clinching three out of four division titles last season, Far Eastern University enters UAAP Season 87’s Chess Tournament with heightened ambitions, aiming for a historic event sweep.
The tournament kicks off on Saturday at Adamson Gym.
The Tamaraws are brimming with confidence, especially in the Girls’ division, led by last season’s MVP, Ruelle Canino.
The 16-year-old Canino is fresh off an impressive performance in the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where she helped the national team secure the Philippines’ first-ever Group B gold medal.
However, despite their dominant run, FEU’s coaching staff is cautious about setting high expectations for their players, preferring to focus on helping them unlock their full potential throughout the season. The results, they believe, will naturally follow.
“All the players are just excited to be playing once again. The mindset is always to play their best games without too many expectations. Like any other sport, it’s important to enjoy the process and not let pressure cloud their decisions,” said FEU assistant coach and women’s grandmaster Janelle Frayna.
Frayna, who competed alongside Canino at the Chess Olympiad, hopes that the strong work ethic that powered FEU to reclaim its championship last season continues to thrive among this year’s Tamaraws.
“We have 60 chess athlete scholars. Not all will be playing in the UAAP, but we’re trying to instill the same work ethic in all of them, whether they’re part of the playing or non-playing teams. This year’s team dynamics are interesting, especially with many young recruits,” she added.
“Younger players tend to be more ‘addicted’ to chess, which creates a competitive atmosphere within the team. I think this environment is very beneficial for everyone.”
Meanwhile, defending men’s champion University of Santo Tomas is well aware of the stiff competition, particularly from FEU, as they look to secure a fourth consecutive championship this season.
“As of now, FEU seems to be our main contender. They have Bacojo and a consolidated group of veteran players – all coming together this season,” said UST head coach GM-elect Ronald Dableo, sharing his early assessment of the competition.
While acknowledging the pressure that comes with being defending champions, Dableo remains confident in his team’s ability to handle it.
“Pressure is always part of the game, but what matters is how my players manage it,” he remarked.
UST’s Male Woodpushers will begin their title defense against Season 86 runner-up Ateneo de Manila University, while FEU’s Lady Tamaraws will take a bye on opening day.
In the boys’ division, FEU-Diliman will face De La Salle-Zobel, while the school’s girls’ team will square off against UST.
All matches are set to start simultaneously at 1:00 PM.
Also scheduled for the second semester is the first-ever UAAP Rapid Chess Tournament, giving more exposure to the country’s top young chessers.
