DEFENDING champion Far Eastern University made a statement in its UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Chess debut, securing a commanding 4-0 victory over archrival National University on Sunday at the Adamson Gym.
Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian [1/1], Vic Glysen Derotas [1/1], reigning MVP Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan [1/1], and Franchesca Largo [1/1] each delivered wins against Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy [1/2], Yana De Vera [0.5/2], Natasja Balabbo [1/2], and Jelaine Adriano [0/1] to complete the sweep.
FEU, seeking a back-to-back, now sits in third place behind University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo after an opening-round bye.
Meanwhile in the men’s division, De La Salle University pulled off an upset with a stunning 2.5-1.5 victory over defending champion University of Santo Tomas.
Angele Biete [1.5/2] and Daniel John Lemi [1.5/2] secured key wins for the Green Woodpushers over Chester Neil Reyes [0/1] and Jan Clifford Labog [1/2] on Boards 2 and 3.
Kris Oswald Olvido [0.5/1] forced a draw against Lee Roi Palma [1.5/2] on Board 4, sealing the victory for La Salle.
FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz [2/2] provided UST’s only win in Round 2, defeating Cyril Telesforo [0/2] on Board 1.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Male Woodpushers’ loss paved the way for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to climb to the top after a resounding 4-0 shutout of the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
FIDE Master Stephen Rome Pangilinan [2/2] notched his second straight win on Board 1, defeating Joshua Roque [0.5/2] in 48 moves using the black pieces in a Queen’s Pawn Opening.
On Board 4, Arena Grandmaster Io Aristotle Calica [1.5/2] pulled off a tactical masterclass on the 20th move, going up a piece and finishing Dustin Herrero [0/1] in just 33 moves.
Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco [1.5/2] and Roderenz Adra [1/2] rounded out UP’s dominant performance with wins over Arena International Master Alfonzo Olendo [0/2] and John Rocel Simon [0/2] on Boards 2 and 3.
The Female Woodpushers of UST, meanwhile, claimed the top spot at the end of Round 2 with a narrow 2.5-1.5 win over UP.
On Board 1, Josemier Panol [2/2] showcased resilience, turning a disadvantageous position into a win by putting Jarel Lacambra [0/2] in time pressure, eventually winning via flag down.
On Board 3, Rohanisah Buto [1/2] forced Precious Eve Ferrer to resign after launching an unstoppable mating attack by the 50th move. Meanwhile, Precious Yecla [1.5/2] secured a draw against Woman FIDE Master Jerlyn San Diego [1/2] on Board 2.
UST’s lone loss came on Board 4, where Jenny Tulo [0/1] fell to Jallen Agra [1/2].
Ateneo also climbed to second place in the women’s division with a 3-1 win over Adamson University, led by victories from Lexie Hernandez [2/2] and Alphecca Gonzales [1/1] over Mariane Flora [0/1] and Phoebie Arellano [1/2] on Boards 3 and 4, respectively.
Kristene Flores [0.5/2] and Ma. Elayza Villa [1/2] split the points with Angela San Luis [0.5/2] and Robelle De Jesus [1.5/2] on Boards 1 and 2, completing Ateneo’s triumph.
In the other men’s match, FEU closely trailed UP in second place after a 2-2 draw with Ateneo.
Rookie FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo [2/2] and FIDE Master John Merill Jacutina [2/2] secured victories on Boards 1 and 2 against Paul Matthew Llanillo [0/2] and Romeo Canino [0/2], respectively.
However, Ateneo’s Christopher Kis-ing [1.5/2] and Knarf Bastislaong [1/2] countered with wins on Boards 3 and 4, overcoming FIDE Master Jeth Romy Morado [1/2] and Israelito Rilloraza [0/1].
Round 3 of the women’s division is set for Wednesday, October 16, while the men’s division will resume on Saturday, October 19.
