Far Eastern University rebounded from their stinging loss in the previous round by dominating University of the Philippines, 3-1, virtually securing the championship in the penultimate round of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Chess Championship on Saturday at the FEU Tech Gym in Manila.
FEU, which placed fourth in Season 85, will take a bye on the final day of matches and finish with 19 match points. They dethroned the two-time defending champion National University, which is currently in second place with 15 match points, while Ateneo de Manila University is a close third with 14 match points.
On Board 2, Season MVP candidate and Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan [9.5/12] employed a tactical 37th move to win a piece and forced Precious Ferrer [5/10] to resign after the 46th move, owing to an unstoppable mating attack.
Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian [9.5/12] also made quick work of Jallen Agra [3/9] on Board 3, securing the win after just 42 moves courtesy of a clever skewer tactic in the middle game that gave her a one-piece advantage in the endgame.
Woman National Master Bea Mendoza [3.5/7] then took down Geraldine Guyo [3.5/9] on Board 4, while UP’s Jerlyn San Diego [5/9] avoided a shutout loss by conquering Woman National Master Vic Glysen Derotas [7/12] on Board 1.
Ateneo de Manila University closed the gap for the runner-up trophy after thrashing the defending champion National University, 3-1.
Jiessel Marino [9/11] scored her sixth straight victory with a masterful performance over Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy [8/11] on Board 1, setting the tone for Ateneo’s triumph.
Ma. Elayza Villa [6.5/11] and Kristine Flores [5/10] also put away Princess Ballete [3.5/9] and Jesca Docena [5/11] on Board 2 and 3, respectively, as Alphecca Gonzales [5/9] succumbed to NU’s Natasja Balabbo [7.5/11] on Board 4.
In the battle of also-rans, University of Santo Tomas scored a 2-2 draw against De La Salle University.
Josemier Panol [4/11] and Rohanisah Buto [6/11] secured victories for UST after defeating Checy Telesforo [3/11] and Woman FIDE Master Sara Olendo [6/11] on Board 1 and 3, respectively.
DLSU equalized courtesy of wins from Woman National Masters Francois Magpily [6/11] and Rinoa Sadey [6/11] against Princes Oncita [2.5/10] and Patricia Bernardo [3/8] on Board 2 and 4, respectively.
Round 14 will commence on Sunday, November 19.
