Manila: Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) clinched two titles each in the UAAP Season 87 rapid chess tournament, which concluded Saturday at Adamson Gym in Manila. In the boys’ division finals, FEU emerged victorious against UST, with a 3-1 scoreline. Jerish John Velarde defeated FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri on Board 1, while Franklin Andes overcame Jian Carlo Rivera on Board 3. Oscar Cantela and Lemmuel Adena drew their matches against John Cyrus Borce and Sumer Oncita on Boards 2 and 4, respectively. The Lady Tamaraws secured a dominant 3.5-0.5 win over league-leader Ateneo de Manila University in the women’s division finals. De La Salle University earned the bronze by defeating UST.
According to Philippines News Agency, FEU assistant coach Woman Grandmaster Janelle Frayna praised her team’s determination despite early setbacks. “Our women’s team was unexpected to reach the podium. In the eliminations, they had two losses on the first day. We hoped to become champions, but initially, it seemed unlikely. We spoke to the players and trained,” Frayna conveyed to reporters. She highlighted the players’ focus and resolve, especially following their close semifinal victory over La Salle. “Young players sometimes doubt their abilities. We took it one game at a time. Our semifinal match against La Salle was very close. Luck played a role. In the finals, we unexpectedly swept Ateneo 4-0, giving us a decisive advantage,” she noted.
Meanwhile, UST secured the girls’ division title with a 2.5-1.5 win over FEU. Daren Dela Cruz and Iana Sotaridona triumphed over Woman FIDE Master April Joy Claros and Kate Ordizo on Boards 1 and 4, while Kara Meneses drew with Lyn Getubig. UST coach Ronald Dableo acknowledged the role of luck in their success. “Luck was involved. We fell behind in the elimination round, making the competition open. Luck played a part when my player on Board 2, who was losing, witnessed the opponent blunder an entire rook. Luck is part of the game,” Dableo explained.
In the men’s division finals, UST forced a tiebreak after splitting the two matches against FEU, both concluding with 2.5-1.5 results. FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz delivered a crucial victory over FIDE Master Mark Bacojo, securing UST’s title. Dableo also credited Grandmaster Darwin Laylo, UST’s assistant coach, for the girls’ team’s preparation. “Coach Darwin Laylo’s assistance was invaluable. As a grandmaster, he prepared the girls’ team, which made the matches easier. His preparation was instrumental in our win against FEU in the girls’ division,” Dableo added.
Ateneo and National University Nazareth School claimed third place in the boys’ and girls’ divisions, respectively. The awarding ceremony for the teams and individual winners of the rapid and blitz chess events is scheduled for April 5.