Far Eastern University strengthened its hold on the top spots in both the men’s and women’s divisions after delivering convincing victories in the resumption of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Chess Championships on Saturday at the BGPOP Building inside the University of Santo Tomas campus in Manila.
The Tamaraws overwhelmed Ateneo de Manila University, 3.5–0.5, to remain unbeaten through five rounds with eight match points. Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws maintained their perfect record after overpowering University of Santo Tomas, 3–1, to extend their lead in the women’s division.
International Master Mark Bacojo [4.5/5.0] spearheaded FEU’s dominant performance on Board 1, sacrificing his queen on the 21st move to gain a rook and a pawn in exchange for a bishop against Ateneo’s Eowyn Jullado [1.5/3.0]. He then capitalized on his material advantage to secure a 35-move victory and preserve his unbeaten record through five matches.
National Master Jerish Velarde [3.0/4.0] likewise delivered a commanding performance on Board 4. Playing with the black pieces, Velarde punished opening inaccuracies by National Master Tyrhone Tabernilla [0.5/5.0] in a Sicilian Defense, Moscow Variation, before forcing his opponent’s resignation after just 26 moves with an unstoppable mating attack.
FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri [3.0/5.0] added another victory for FEU after defeating National Master Cedric Abris [3.5/5.0] on Board 3, while National Master Oscar Cantela [3.0/5.0] split the point with Khalil Kis-Ing [2.0/3.0] on Board 2 to complete the Tamaraws’ dominant showing.
In the women’s division, FEU extended its winning streak after turning back UST, 3–1, to improve to 12 match points, two match points ahead of second-running University of the Philippines, which has eight.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Ericka Ordizo [3.5/4.0] continued her stellar play on Board 4, preserving her unbeaten record through four matches after setting up a queenside trap to win a queen for a rook against Gabrielle Aton [1.5/3.0]. She then capitalized on her material advantage in a queen-versus-rook endgame to secure a 51-move victory.
Samantha Umayan [1.0/2.0] also delivered a crucial point for FEU on Board 3, overcoming Trina Temple [1.5/5.0] to complete the Lady Tamaraws’ winning tally.
Woman International Master Ruelle Canino [4.5/6.0] and Woman FIDE Master Franchesca Largo [4.5/6.0] sustained their consistent performances after settling for draws with Precious Day Yecla [1.5/6.0] and Woman National Master Daren Dela Cruz [4.5/6.0] on the top two boards, respectively.
In the other women’s matches, National University and Ateneo battled to a 2–2 draw, with the Lady Bulldogs improving to seven match points to claim third place.
Ma. Elayza Villa [4.5/6.0] delivered a crucial victory for Ateneo on Board 1, handing previously unbeaten Jersey Marticio [5.0/6.0] her first defeat after five consecutive victories.
Yzabella Nabor [2.5/6.0] followed suit on Board 2, overcoming Queen Pamplona [1.5/4.0] to give Ateneo a two-point advantage.
NU, however, fought back on the bottom two boards, with Sara Dalagan [4.5/6.0] defeating Alphecca Gonzales [2.0/6.0] on Board 3, while Yana De Vera [1.0/1.0] prevailed over Francine Magpily [1.5/6.0] on Board 4 to salvage the draw.
Adamson University, meanwhile, broke into the win column after edging De La Salle University, 2.5–1.5, to secure its first victory of the season.
Janna Alindogan [2.0/6.0] and Lira Placer [2.0/3.0] delivered the decisive victories for the Lady Falcons against Checy Telesforo [2.5/6.0] and Jazzmine Hortillano [0.0/1.0] on Boards 3 and 4, respectively.
Ma. Christina Samarita [2.0/6.0] contributed a crucial half-point after drawing with Juzeia Agne [3.5/6.0] on Board 2, while Woman National Master Heart Padilla [2.5/6.0] secured La Salle’s lone victory against Elaine Grace Antonio [1.0/6.0] on the top board.
In the men’s division, defending champion UST kept pace with FEU after overcoming UP, 2.5–1.5, to remain unbeaten through five rounds with eight match points, just 1.5 board points behind the league leaders.
Chester Reyes [3.0/4.0] and Candidate Master Jan Clifford Labog [4.5/5.0] delivered the decisive victories for the Male Woodpushers against Daniel Tagufa [1.0/4.0] and Roderenz Adra [0.5/4.0] on Boards 2 and 3, respectively.
