Far Eastern University moved to the cusp of completing a first-round sweep with a 2.5-1.5 victory over defending champion National University in Round 5 of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Chess Championship at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila on Wednesday.
It was the Tamaraws’ fifth straight win, improving their match points to 10, while the Bulldogs remained in second place with five match points.
University of the Philippines, which had a bye in Round 5, currently holds third place with four match points.
Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan [3.5/5] set the tone for the Lady Tamaraws by taking advantage of Princess Ballete’s [2/4] 32nd move blunder, winning a queen for a bishop and comfortably securing the victory in the endgame on Board 2.
On Board 3, Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian [4.5/5] remained undefeated, emerging victorious over Jesca Docena [1.5/4] in 39 moves of a Rook Endgame.
Woman National Master Vic Glysen Derotas [4/5] secured the win for FEU with a draw on Board 1 against Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy [3/4], while Woman National Master Bea Mendoza [0/2] faltered against NU’s Natasja Balabbo [3.5/4] on Board 4.
Adamson University also scored a breakthrough win in Round 5, dominating University of Santo Tomas, 3-1, and climbing to fifth place in the standings.
Robelle De Jesus [2/5], Phoebie Arellano [1.5/4], and Queenie Samarita [4/5] all secured wins against Josemier Panol [1/4], Princes Oncita [1/4], and Rohanisah Buto [2/4] on Board 1, 2, and 3, respectively, highlighting AdU’s first-season victory.
Patricia Bernardo [1/2] earned the only point for UST by defeating Jashua Patria [0.5/5] on Board 4.
Meanwhile, fierce rivals Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University ended in a 2-2 stalemate.
Jiessel Marino [3/4] secured the win for Ateneo by overcoming Checy Telesforo [1/4] on Board 1, while DLSU’s Rinoa Sadey [2/4] notched two consecutive wins with a victory over Alphecca Gonzales [2/4] on Board 4.
Ateneo’s Ma. Elayza Villa [1.5/4] and Kristine Flores [1.5/4] then split the points with Francois Magpily [2.5/4] and Area FIDE Master Sara Olendo [2/4] on Board 2 and 3, respectively, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
The Blue Eagles are currently ranked fourth, while the Taft-based Lady Woodpushers fell to sixth.
Round 6 is scheduled to be played on Saturday, October 28.
