By: Ed Ubaldo
National University inched closer to the top spot after nabbing a 2.5-1.5 win over Far Easter University in Round 3 of the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Chess Championships on Wednesday at the FEU Diliman Sports Complex.
The defending champions upped their total to 6.5 pts after just two matches, just half a point behind league-leading FEU who has 7 pts in three season matches.
Woman International Master Kylen Joy Mordido (Board 2) outwitted fellow master WNM Bea Mendoza with the white pieces in 44-moves of the English opening while Jesca Docena (Board 3) scored an upset win over Candidate Master Divine Grace Luna while playing black, forcing mate by the 45th move of a Sicilian Defense.
Season 84 Rookie of the Year and MVP WFM Allaney Jia Doroy though faltered on the top board after FEU’s Me Ann Joy Baclayon executed a queen sacrifice in the middle game to win material en route to a comfortable endgame victory but Princess Nicole Ballete salvaged a draw in Board 4 to ensure NU’s second victory in as many matches.
Third-running University of Sto. Tomas then recorded a 2-2 draw against University of the Philippines to increase their total to 6.5 points after three matches.
Josemier Jene Panol (Board 2) and Jamaica Marie Lagrio (Board 4) scored the wins for the Tigers as UP’s Justnin Macapuno remained undefeated this season to help UP recover from the cellar and take the fifth spot with four points.
Ateneo de Manila University also delivered a breakthrough performance in Round 3, edging out De La Salle University with a 2.5-1.5 victory.
Arena Grandmaster Alexis Anne Oseña stayed consistent with her stellar play this season as she scored another win in Board 3 that Kristine Mae Flores (Board 4) and Laila Camel Nadera (Board 2) complemented with a win and a draw, respectively.
Ateneo is now placed fourth after three rounds with 5.5 points while La Salle fell to the sixth spot (3.5 points).
