Defending champion National University kept its championship aspirations alive after taking down league-leading Far Eastern University, 2.5-1.5, in Round 12 of the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Chess Championship on Wednesday at the FEU Tech Gym.
The Bustillos-based squad is now just one game behind the Lady Tamaraws as they improved to 15 match points going into the final two rounds. FEU, who only has one remaining match, remained on top of the standings with 17 match points.
With FEU needing just a 2-2 split in Round 12 to virtually secure the title, NU’s Jesca Docena [5/10] delivered a miraculous comeback from two pawns down, taking advantage of Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian’s [8.5/11] 57th move blunder to salvage a draw after 89 moves of a rook endgame on Board 3.
This was after Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy [8/10] and Natasja Balabbo [6.5/10] prevailed over FEU’s Woman National Masters Vic Glysen Derotas [7/11] and Rizalyn Tejada [1/3] on Board 1 and 4, respectively along with fellow Lady Bulldog Princess Ballete’s [3.5/8] defeat at the hands of Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan [8.5/11] on Board 2.
Ateneo de Manila University also stayed within striking distance of the runner-up trophy after dominating De La Salle University, 3-1.
Jiessel Marino [8/10] and Alphecca Gonzales [5/8] each scored a full point against Checy Telesforo [3/10] and Woman National Master Rinoa Sadey [5/10] on Board 1 and 4, respectively, while Ma. Elayza Villa [5.5/10] and Kristine Flores [4/9] both settled for draws with Woman National Masters Francois Magpily [5/10] and Sara Olendo [6/10] on Board 2 and 3, respectively.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas defeated Adamson University, 2.5-1.5, in a battle of also-rans.
Princes Oncita [2.5/9] and Patricia Bernardo [3/7] bagged victories over Adamson’s Phoebie Arellano [2/10] and Christine Hernandez [1/3] on Board 2 and 4, respectively, to go with Rohanisah Buto’s [5/10] draw on Board 3 with Jashua Patria [2.5/11].
Robelle De Jesus [4.5/11] was the lone bright spot for Adamson in Round 12 after taking down Josemier Panol [3/10] on the top board.
Round 13 is scheduled on Saturday, November 18.
