With University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 moving onto blitz chess, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Woodpushers delivered a stellar performance, securing top spots in the elimination round last Sunday, March 30, at the Adamson University St. Vincent Gym in Manila City.

The FEU men’s chess team exhibited dominance throughout the tournament, securing the second seed. However, the University of Santo Tomas ultimately edged out the green-and-gold team in their clash, 0.5-3.5.

Similarly, the women’s chess teams also finished second in the elimination round, opening their campaign with two consecutive 2.0-2.0 draw results against Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) and De La Salle University before bouncing back to win the remainder of their matches against National University and University of the Philippines.

In the high school division, both teams claimed the top seeds. The boys’ team led with 38 match points, while the girls’ team followed closely with 35. 

In a post-match interview with FEU Advocate, Lady Woodpushers captain and Women’s FIDE (International Chess Federation) Master (WFM) Glysen Derotas discussed the difficulties of transitioning to the fast-paced blitz format in the UAAP’s inaugural tournament. 

“It was hard, na nag-transition from rapid to blitz, and we can say na nahirapan kami sa first and second round. Ang masasabi ko lang, we did bounce back, kasi maganda ‘yung laro namin during the third and [the] rest of the game (It was hard transitioning from rapid to blitz, and we can say that we struggled in the first and second rounds. But I can say that we bounced back because we played well in the third and the rest of the games),” she said.

The Lady Woodpushers, who previously claimed the championship title in the rapid tournament on March 29 by defeating AdMU for the title, are now determined to extend their dominance across the remaining games of the tourney.

WFM Derotas emphasized the team’s focus on regaining their confidence and resilience, proving that their rapid tournament victory was not a fluke. 

“Resilience pa rin at [ma]balik ‘yung confidence, na nag-champion kami sa rapid. We want to defend that champion crown, na hindi lang siya tsamba. Babalik ‘yung resilience, na tatayo tayo (It’s about resilience and regaining the confidence that we are the champions of the rapid round. We want to defend that champion crown and prove it wasn’t just luck. We need to stand tall and remain resilient),” the Morayta-based WFM added.

Eager to etch their names as the first champions of the blitz chess tournament, the women’s chess team will attempt to remain relentless during the remainder of their rounds on April 2, while the other teams are determined to gain the title in the semifinals and finals to be held on April 5 at the same venue. 

- Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)