DEFENDING champion Far Eastern University pulled away from the pack in the women’s division with a dominant 3.5-0.5 victory over De La Salle University in Round 5 of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Chess Tournament on Sunday at Adamson Gym.
The Lady Tamaraws now lead the standings with eight match points, holding a superior tiebreaker in total points scored over second-placed La Salle, who trails with six match points.
On Board 1, Woman National Master (WNM) Mhage Sebastian (4/4) showcased a brilliant combination of tactical moves in a closed position, forcing WNM Francois Magpily (2.5/4) to resign after 42 moves in a Sicilian Defense.
WNM Vic Glysen Derotas (4/4) followed with a grueling 80-move victory over Arena Grandmaster Sara Olendo (1/4) on Board 3. Meanwhile, Francheska Largo (2/2) capitalized on a 35th-move blunder by Rinoa Sadey (3/4) in time pressure to secure FEU’s third point.
La Salle’s Checy Telesforo (1.5/3) prevented a shutout, holding Samantha Umayan (1.5/2) to a draw on Board 4.
In the men’s division, defending champion University of Santo Tomas achieved its first shutout of the season, dismantling Adamson University 4-0, and overtaking University of the Philippines for the top spot.
Leading UST’s charge was FIDE Master (FM) Christian Daluz (4/4), who sacrificed his bishop for a powerful passed pawn, securing a decisive endgame victory over Joshua Roque (0.5/4) on Board 1.
On Board 2, UST’s Chester Reyes (1/2) triumphed in a rook endgame against Arena International Master Alfonso Olendo (0/3).
Meanwhile, Jan Clifford Labog (2/3) and team captain Melito Ocsan Jr. (2.5/3) defeated John Rocel Simon (1/4) and Dustin Herrero (1/3) on Boards 3 and 4, respectively.
UP remained in contention with a 3-1 win over FEU, improving to six match points.
Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco (2.5/4), Roderenz Adra (2.5/4), and Arena Grandmaster Io Aristle Calica (3/4) all secured wins over FM John Merill Jacutina (2.5/4), FM Jeth Morado (1/3), and Christian Olaybal (1/2) on Boards 2, 3, and 4.
FM Mark Bacojo (3/4) provided the only victory for FEU, handing FM Stephen Pangilinan (3/4) his first loss of the tournament on Board 1.
In other women’s division matches, National University continued its rise with a commanding 3-1 win over UP, closing in on the second spot.
The Lady Bulldogs dominated as Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Allaney Doroy (3/4) and Natasja Balabbo (3/4) won on Boards 1 and 4, defeating Precious Ferrer (0/4) and Sofia Alcala (0/1), respectively.
Yana De Vera (1/3) and Queen Rose Pamplona (1.5/3) drew their matches with Jallen Agra (2.5/5) and Raiza Locmayoan (1.5/3) on Boards 2 and 3, sealing a near-perfect result for NU.
Ateneo rose to solo fourth place in the women’s division after a 2-2 draw against UST.
