UST, FEU woodpushers back on their thrones
There was no stopping Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the UAAP Season 87 chess tournament—with the Tigers stretching their championship streak to a fourth straight season and the Lady Tamaraws winning for the second straight time.
FEU went undefeated in the woimne’s division, delivering 10 wins and two draws to clinch the championship as early as Round 12.
“I think they really deserve it because the players truly worked hard,” said FEU assistant coach and Woman Grandmaster Janelle Frayna. “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.”
Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian dominated the top board with seven wins, three draws, and two losses on the way to copping the MVP trophy.
“I’m very thankful to God because He guided me throughout this tournament, even though I experienced some losses,” said Sebastian. “When I lost, I felt down. After that, my mindset became: just play your game.”
“Winning the championship for the team was my priority. The MVP is just an added blessing,” she added.
The vaunted FEU squad also featured Woman National Master (WNM) Vic Glysen Derotas (Board 2), WNM Mary Joy Tan (Board 3), Francesca Largo (Board 4), Samantha Umayan (Board 5), and Rhea Jean Canino (Board 6).
Meanwhile, UST’s men’s team clinched their 11th overall title and fourth straight championship after finishing with 17 points. Despite an early-season upset loss to La Salle in Round 2, the Tigers finished with eight wins, one draw, and only one loss.
Undefeated season
“After the loss, my players showed their experience and composure,” said UST head coach Ronald Dableo. “They’ve been through these challenges before. It’s natural for them to bounce back.”
UST’s success was anchored by FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz, who delivered an undefeated season and claimed the MVP award.
“I worked hard for this. Last year, I set my sights on the MVP award but fell short. This time, I prepared extensively, and it paid off,” Daluz said.
UST’s championship roster also included Chester Reyes (Board 2), Jan Clifford Labog (Board 3), Melito Ocsan Jr. (Board 4), Lee Roi Palma (Board 5), and Julius Gonzales (Board 6).
In the women’s division, La Salle secured a runnerup finish through the efforts of WNM Francois Magpily on Board 1. National University completed the podium.
Ateneo de Manila University’s Lexie Hernandez stood out as the Rookie of the Year after winning a silver medal on Board 3.
For the men’s division, the University of the Philippines (UP) rose to second place, buoyed by rookies Roderenz Adra and Io Aristotle Calica. FEU, led by Rookie of the Year FIDE Master Mark Bacojo, claimed third.
