Defending champion Far Eastern University completed a first-half sweep of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Chess Tournament by securing their sixth consecutive victory with a decisive 3.5-0.5 win over Ateneo de Manila University in Round 7, held Sunday at the Adamson Gym.
The Lady Tamaraws have now scored at least three board points in all but one match, leading the standings with 12 match points.
In Round 7, Woman National Master Vic Glysen Derotas (6/6) claimed her sixth straight victory, outlasting Lexie Hernandez (4.5/6) in a 64-move English Opening marathon on Board 2.
Francheska Largo (4/4) also remained unbeaten, handing Glesit Tatoy (0/2) her second loss on Board 4.
Meanwhile, Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan (5/6) bested Ateneo’s Alphecca Gonzales (1.5/4) on Board 3.
To close out the round, Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian (4.5/6) drew with Ma. Elayza Villa (4/6) on the top board.
In the men’s division, University of Santo Tomas asserted its dominance in Round 5 with a resounding 3.5-0.5 victory over previously-undefeated University of the Philippines, strengthening their title defense.
The Male Woodpushers of UST finished the first half of the season with eight match points from four wins and one loss, establishing a gap over the Fighting Maroons, who are currently second with six match points.
UST’s victory was spearheaded by FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz (5/5), who handed FIDE Master Stephen Pangilinan (3/5) his second loss with a 38-move masterclass on the top board.
Chester Reyes (2/3) earned his second straight win on Board 2, compelling Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco (2.5/5) to resign after just 30 moves of an English Opening.
Jan Clifford Labog (3/4) secured UST’s win with an unstoppable kingside attack that left Roderenz Adra (2.5/5) defenseless under time pressure on Board 3.
UP rookie Io Aristotle Calica (3.5/5) provided a glimmer of hope, remaining unbeaten in five matches as he drew with former league MVP Melito Ocsan Jr. (3/4) on Board 4.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In other men’s division action, FEU edged De La Salle University 2.5-1.5, staying within reach of a podium spot with five match points in fourth place.
The deciding match boiled down to FIDE Master John Merill Jacutina (3/5) and Angele Biete (4/5), whose game concluded in a draw after a marathon four-hour standoff.
FEU’s Round 5 triumph was secured by victories from Dale Bernardo (1.5/3) and Istralito Rilloraza (1/2) over Cyril Telesforo (1/5) and Arena International Master Jester Sistoza (1/2) on Boards 1 and 3.
La Salle’s Daniel John Lemi (3.5/5) recorded his team’s sole win by defeating Christian Olaybal (1/3) on Board 4.
Despite the setback, the Green Archers remain in third place with six match points.
On the women’s side, La Salle strengthened its podium bid with a 3-1 victory over Adamson University, moving to second place with 10 match points.
Woman National Master Francois Magpily (4/6), Arena Grandmaster Sara Olendo (3/6), and Checy Telesforo (2.5/4) secured wins over Angela San Luis (0.5/6), Christine Hernandez (0/2), and Phoebie Arellano (2.5/6) on Boards 1, 2, and 4, respectively.
The Lady Woodpushers’ only loss came on Board 3, where Rinoa Sadey (4/6) fell to Robelle De Jesus (3.5/5).
National University also recorded a Round 7 win in the women’s division with a commanding 3-1 performance against UST.
Natasja Balabbo (5/6) led the way by taking her fifth victory, prevailing over Precious Yecla (3/6) on Board 2.
Princess Ballete (1/2) and Jelaine Adriano (1/2) contributed wins on Boards 3 and 4 against Princes Oncita (2/4) and Jenny Tulo (0/2), respectively.
UST’s Josemier Panol (3.5/5) prevented a sweep by defeating Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy (3.5/6) on Board 1.
Meanwhile, in the men’s division, Ateneo earned its first win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over Adamson University in Round 5.
Paul Matthew Llanillo (2/5) defeated John Frederick Sunga (0/2) on Board 1, and Romeo Canino (2/5) secured a victory over Vince Arellano (0/2) on Board 2.
Knark Batislaong (3/5) scored a full point on Board 4 against John Rocel Simon (1/5), while Adamson’s Joshua Roque (1.5/5) won over Christopher Kis-ing (2/5) on Board 3 to avert a sweep.
The men’s division will resume with Round 6 on November 3, while the women’s division continues with Round 8 on the same date.
