Far Eastern University preserved its unbeaten record after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against National University in Round 9 of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Chess Tournament, held Wednesday at the Adamson Gym in Manila.
The Lady Tamaraws, who had racked up six straight match wins before this draw, now hold 13 match points—one and a half points ahead of second-place De La Salle University Lady Woodpushers, who had a bye in Round 9.
Woman National Master Vic Glysen Derotas (7/7) delivered FEU’s only victory in Round 9, executing a brilliant rook sacrifice that led to an unstoppable mating threat, forcing NU’s Yana de Deva (1/5) to resign after the 38th move on Board 2.
Meanwhile, Woman National Masters Mhage Sebastian (5/7) and Mary Joy Tan (4.5/6) split the points with Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy (5/8) and Queen Rose Pamplona (2/5) on Board 1 and Board 3, respectively.
On Board 4, NU’s Jelaine Adriano (3/4) continued to impress, securing a 63-move win in a knight-and-pawn endgame against FEU’s Francheska Largo (4/5), handing Largo her first defeat of the season.
Ateneo de Manila University also put on an impressive Round 9 performance, achieving a near-sweep with a 3.5-0.5 win over Adamson University, the league’s bottom team.
The victory keeps the Blue Eagles in the race for a consecutive podium finish, as they now sit fourth with eight match points.
Kristine Flores (2.5/6) and Ma. Elayza Villa (6/8) set the tone on the upper boards, securing victories over Angela San Luis (0.5/8) and Zheileen Jain (0/3) on Boards 1 and 2, respectively.
Alphecca Gonzales (2.5/5) added to the tally with a Board 4 triumph over Mariane Flora (0/4), while Lexie Hernandez (6/8) drew with Robelle de Jesus (5/7) on Board 3.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines defeated the University of Santo Tomas 3.5-0.5, leapfrogging them to claim fifth place in the standings.
On Board 1, Jerlyn San Diego (4/6) dominated Josemier Panol (4.5/7), while Precious Eve Ferrer (2/7) notched her second consecutive win, defeating Precious Yecla (4/8) on Board 2.
Jallen Agra (5/8) added a third point for UP by outsmarting Christine Tabungar (0.5/4) on Board 3, while Raiza Locmayoan (2.5/6) settled for a draw with UST’s Princes Oncita (2.5/6) on Board 4.
The women’s division resumes with Round 10 on Saturday.
Games on Saturday (Adamson Gym)
3 p.m. – DLSU vs UST (men)
3 p.m. – UP vs ADU (men)
3 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (men)
3 p.m. – FEU vs ADU (women)
3 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (women)
3 p.m. – UST vs DLSU (women)
