National University closed out the first half of the season with a 3-1 thrashing of University of Santo Tomas to retain its second-place position after Round 7 of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Chess Championships at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila on Sunday.
The Lady Bulldogs improved to nine match points, trailing league-leading Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, who have 12 match points.
Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy [5/6] continued her impeccable performance on the top board, remaining undefeated after defeating Josemier Panol [2/6] using the Modern Defense opening while playing as the black pieces.
Debuting Jelaine Adriano [1/1] also took the spotlight with a win on Board 4, forcing Patricia Bernardo [2/4] to resign by the 29th move due to a superior material advantage, while Jesca Docena [3/6] secured her third point with a win over Princess Oncita [1/5] on Board 2.
UST’s Rohanisah Buto [3/6] handed Natasja Balabbo [4.5/6] her first loss of the season on Board 3 to prevent a shutout.
De La Salle University also defeated Adamson University, 2.5-1.5, to claim third place.
Chevy Telesforo [3/6] and Francois Magpily [3.5/6] secured wins for the Lady Woodpushers against Robelle De Jesus [2/6] and Phoebie Arellano [1.5/5] on Board 1 and 2, respectively.
Rinoa Sadey’s [2.5/6] draw with Jashua Patria [1/6] on Board 4 ensured DLSU’s victory, while Arena FIDE Master Sara Olendo [3/6] fell to AdU’s Queenie Samarita [5/6] on Board 3.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University secured its second win at the expense of University of the Philippines, with a score of 3-1, improving their position to fourth place.
Jiessel Marino [4/6], Ma. Elayza Villa [3.5/6], and Kristine Flores [3/6] emerged victorious against Jerlyn San Diego [2/5], Precious Ferrer [2/5], and Jallen Agra [2.5/6] on Board 1, 2, and 3, respectively.
Jarel Lacamba [2/3] was the lone bright spot for UP after defeating Alphecca Gonzales [2/5] on Board 4.
Round 8 will be played on Saturday, November 4.
