Far Eastern University rebounded emphatically as the Lady Tamaraws convincingly defeated the University of Santo Tomas Female Woodpushers, 4-0, in Round 9 to secure their seventh win in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Chess Championships at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila on Sunday.
FEU improved to 15 match points and maintained a slim lead over the defending champion National University, which currently holds 13 match points.
Woman National Master Vic Glysen Derotas [5.5/8] initiated FEU’s dominance with a masterful victory on Board 1, compelling Janelle Dingding [0/1] to resign after just 32 moves in the English Opening due to an unstoppable mating attack.
Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan [6/8] then secured a full point after triumphing in a 51-move rook endgame against UST’s Josemier Panol [3/8] on Board 2.
Women National Masters Mhage Sebastian [7/8] and Bea Mendoza [2.5/5] completed the sweep with wins against Princes Oncita [1/7] and Rohanisah Buto [3.5/8] on Board 3 and 4, respectively.
NU continued to vie for the top spot with a much-needed 2.5-1.5 victory over De La Salle University.
Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy [7/8] registered her fourth consecutive win and remained undefeated in eight matches on Board 1, prevailing over Checy Telesforo [3/7], while Princess Ballete [3/6] overcame DLSU’s Woman National Master Francois Magpily [3.5/7] on Board 2.
Natasja Balabbo then secured the win for NU, forcing a draw with DLSU’s Woman National Master Rinoa Sadey [3/7] on Board 4, as Jesca Docena succumbed to Woman National Master Sara Olendo [4/7].
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines climbed to the third spot after a 2-2 split against Adamson University.
Precious Ferer [4/7] secured her second consecutive win by dominating Zheilleen Jain [0/1] on Board 1.
Geraldine Guyo [2/6] and Jarel Lacambra [3.5/5] then split points with Phoebie Arellano [2/7] and Jashua Patria [2/8] on Board 3 and 4, respectively.
Robelle De Jesus [3/8] secured AdU’s sole win in Round 9 with a victory over Jallen Agra [2.5/7] on Board 2.
Round 10 is scheduled for Saturday, November 11.
