National University extended its lead after scoring a 2.5-1.5 victory over De La Salle University in Round 12 of the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Chess Championship, Thursday at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila.
With their eighth match win, the Lady Bulldogs now have 28 points heading into the penultimate round, 5.5 clear off the second-running Lady Woodpushers who have 22.5 points.
Far Eastern University, which drew a bye, is a close third with 22 points.
Woman Fide Master Allaney Doroy [8/10] emerged victorious after 75 moves of a rook vs bishop endgame against Woman Fide Master Samantha Revita [6.5/10] in Board 1 to set the tone for the defending champions.
In Board 3, Jesca Docena [7/10] flexed her might with the white pieces, using three passed pawns to force Irish Yngayo [5.5/10] to resign after a 57th move queen promotion.
Woman International Master Kylen Mordido [8.5/10] then split the point with Francois Magpily [8.5/10] in Board 2 to secure NU’s victory. Princess Ballete [4.5/9] was the Lady Bulldogs’ lone loss, succumbing to Arena Fide Master Sara Olendo [2/9] in Board 4 after 72 moves of a bishop endgame.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University kept its hopes for a podium finish alive with a 4-0 shutout of University of the Philippines for 21.5 points in fourth spot.
Arena Grand Master Alexis Osena [6.5/10] (Board 3) led the way for the Blue Eagles, taking her fifth season victory with a win with the black pieces against Jee-Ann Barry [2.5/7].
Jiesel Marino [2/3] (Board 1), Laila Nadera [4.5/10] (Board 2) and Kristine Flores [7.5/10] (Board 4) all scored wins against Precious Ferrer [3/9], Justin Macapuno [4.5/9] and Jallen Agra [4/9], respectively.
University of Santo Tomas also kept its bid for a top three finish alive with a 3.5-0.5 walloping of Adamson University to hike its total to 20.5 points.
Josemir Panol [4.5/11] (Board 2), Rohanisah Buto [4/10] (Board 3) and Jamaica Lagrio [7.5/11](Board 4) took down Zheileen Jain [0/1], Christine Hernandez [0/1] and Queenie Samarita [3/11], respectively.
Macydel Fajardo [4.5/11] held Robelle de Jesus [4.5/11] to a draw in Board 1 to complete UST’s dominant outing.
Round 13 is scheduled on Sunday, December 11.
