FAR EASTERN University all but clinched its second consecutive UAAP Season 87 Women’s Chess Tournament title with a decisive 3-1 victory over fourth-ranked De La Salle University in Round 12 at the Adamson Gym on Wednesday.
The defending champions now hold 18 match points and 31 board points, giving them an insurmountable lead over second-ranked National University (NU) with only two rounds remaining.
Woman National Master (WNM) Vic Glysen Derotas (9/10) set the tone for FEU’s Round 12 dominance, delivering a 53-move checkmate against Sara Olendo (3/9) on Board 2.
WNM Mary Joy Tan (7.5/9) showcased her endgame skills in a lengthy 76-move battle, prevailing over La Salle’s Rinoa Sadey (5.5/10) in a rook vs. knight and bishop endgame.
On the top board, WNM Mhage Seabastian (6.5/10) triumphed over WNM Francois Magpily (6/10), while FEU’s Franchesca Largo (5/7) suffered the team’s lone loss, falling to Checy Telesforo (5/8) on Board 4.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
National University also secured a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory over University of the Philippines in Round 12.
Natasja Balabbo (7/9) and Princess Ballete (2/4) scored wins on Boards 2 and 3, defeating Jerlyn San Diego (5.5/9) and Jallen Agra (5/10) respectively.
Queen Rose Pamplona (3.5/7) sealed the match for NU by drawing with Jarel Lacambra (2/6) on the top board, while Raiza Locmayoan (3.5/9) earned UP’s sole win against Jelaine Adriano (4/6) on Board 4.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In other action, University of Santo Tomas played spoiler by edging out third-ranked Ateneo de Manila University, 2.5-1.5.
Josemier Panol (5.5/9) and Precious Yecla (5/10) led the charge for UST, defeating Kristine Flores (3/9) and Ma. Elayza Villa (8/11), respectively.
Christine Tabungar (1/5) held Ateneo’s Alphecca Gonzales (5/8) to a draw on Board 3, while Lexie Hernandez (9/11) captured Ateneo’s lone victory over Rohanisah Buto (1.5/7) on Board 4.
Following the loss, Ateneo now faces a must-win scenario against FEU in the upcoming Saturday round to keep its podium hopes alive.
Alternatively, they will need La Salle to score fewer than four points across the final two rounds to remain in contention.
The penultimate round of the women’s chess division will continue on Saturday.
