Far Eastern University went undefeated throughout the season to secure its second consecutive title in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Women's Chess Tournament at the Adamson Gym last Nov. 19.
FEU UAAP chess team receives their trophies and medals.
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.
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.
“I’m very thankful to God for guiding me throughout this tournament. When I incurred some losses, it hurt my confidence. I had to change my mindset of taking it one game at a time," said Sebastian, who also won the UAAP MVP in the girls' division two seasons ago.
“My parents said the same thing. I just had to play my game and not think about individual standing. The MVP award was something I did not really think about. I just wanted my team to win the title and to at least get a gold medal. The recognition is just an added blessing,” she said.
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 3rd 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 last 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," said Gonzales.
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.
“I’m very happy the I won the MVP award again. I’m also grateful that I was consistent this season. I learned a lot from my team and playing chess," said Canino.
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.
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