Far Eastern University went undefeated throughout the season to secure its second consecutive title in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Chess Tournament at the Adamson Gym on Tuesday.
The Lady Tamaraws dominated the field with 10 wins and 2 draws, clinching the title as early as Round 12.
“I think they really deserve it because the players truly worked hard. Especially throughout the duration of the UAAP, the players took the initiative to study on their own. That’s really the most important thing for a player,” said FEU assistant coach and Woman Grandmaster Janelle Frayna of the Lady Tamaraws.
Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian was the cornerstone of FEU’s Season 87 championship, leading the charge from the top board with seven wins, three draws, and two losses. She earned the gold medal and the MVP award.
“Very thankful ako kay God kasi po throughout this tournament ginabayan niya po ako even though may mga naging talo rin po ako. Nung natalo kasi ako, napanghindaan ako ng loob. After that ang naging mindset ko na lang is just play your game,” shared Sebastian, who also won the UAAP MVP in the girls’ division two seasons ago.
“Yan din sabi ng parents ko, laruin na lang yung game. Wag na isipin yung individual standings. Actually, yung pagiging MVP, di ko siya masyadong iniisip. Ang sakin lang po as long as magchampion yung team at mag gold ako. Yun lang po talaga. Yung MVP is just added blessing.”
Fellow Lady Tamaraw and Woman National Master Vic Glysen Derotas (Board 2), Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan (Board 3), Francesca Largo (Board 4), Samantha Umayan (Board 5), and Rhea Jean Canino (Board 6) also secured gold medals in their respective board assignments.
Meanwhile. the FEU Men’s Chess Team led by Rookie of the Year FIDE Master Mark Bacojo, finished third after overcoming De La Salle University in the final round.
Bacojo earned the silver medal on Board 1, while FIDE Master John Merill Jacutina claimed the bronze on Board 3. On Board 5, Istraelito Rilloraza won the silver medal, while Christian Olaybal claimed the silver medal on Board 6.
FEU Diliman rules HS chess for third straight year
FEU Diliman clinched the boys’ and girls’ division titles for the third consecutive season, remaining undefeated in the UAAP Season 87 High School Chess Tournament at the Adamson Gym on Tuesday.
The Baby Tamaraws capped off an immaculate season with eight wins, while the FEU-D girls’ team finished with seven wins and one draw. Both teams secured their titles as early as Round 8.
Five members of the FEU-D boys’ team went undefeated, with Season MVP Oscar Cantela leading the way. Cantela also earned a gold medal on Board 1.
Head coach and Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales expressed satisfaction with another near sweep but still harbors aspirations for a historic sweep of all the chess titles in the UAAP, given the talent his players have demonstrated in recent seasons.
“Last year, we advanced two rounds in the high school (to win the championship). It also helped that there were fewer teams, so we secured the championship early. Right now, our target is to try to complete a sweep of all four divisions,” Gonzales shared.
Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino, who represented the Philippines at this year’s FIDE Chess Olympiad, finished with a perfect record in eight matches, securing the gold medal on Board 2 and earning her second consecutive MVP award.
“Masaya po ako na nakuha ko ulit yung MVP award dito sa UAAP. Grateful din ako kasi consistent yung naging performance ko ngayong season. Marami din ako natutunan mula sa team at sa paglalaro ng chess,” Canino said.
Canino’s teammates who also won a gold medal are April Joy Carlos on Board 3 and Franiel Magpily on Board 4. Kate Ordizo was the only other medalist on Board 1, taking home a silver. Ann Beatrice Bombales earned a bronze on Board 5, while Lyn Getubig grabbed the silver on Board 6.
On the Boys’ side, Jerish John Velarde won the gold in Board 2, while former MVP Franklin Andes earned the silver medal. Lemuel Adena emerged as the gold medalist on Board 4, while Arena FIDE Master Ritchie Abeleda secured the gold on Board 6.
