In a display of skill and strategy, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Woodpushers secured the rank two spot with 9.0 match points (17.5 board points) to move onto the semifinals of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s blitz chess tournament last Wednesday, April 2, at the Adamson University St. Vincent Gym in Manila City.

The green-and-gold team showcased their strength with a series of impressive victories, putting them in prime position for a title run.

In round five, they defeated the University of the Philippines with a commanding score of 3.0-1.0. Building on that momentum, they triumphed in round six against the University of Santo Tomas (UST), winning decisively with a score of 4.0-0.0. 

The green-and-gold squad’s impressive performance continued in round seven, as they extended their winning streak by securing a 3.5-0.5 victory against Adamson University.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, standout chesser Franchesca Largo reflected on how the team adapted and pushed through the challenges of the elimination rounds.

“Mas maganda ang laro namin ngayon, pero medyo nahirapan pa rin kami kasi mas sanay talaga kami sa standard. Pero our team is doing our best para makuha ulit ang championship. ‘Yun talaga ang goal namin (We played better today, but we still struggled a bit because we are more used to the standard. But our team is doing our best to win the championship again. That is really our goal),” she said.

In terms of their mindset going into the semifinal and final rounds, Largo emphasized the importance of confidence.

“Bago pa magsimula ang tournament, iniisip ko na agad na mananalo kami kasi ‘yun ‘yung nagbibigay sa’min ng lakas, eh (Before the tournament even started, I was already thinking that we would win because that's what gives us strength),” she stated.

On the other hand, head coach Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales mentioned that while they claimed victories in both the standard and rapid formats, they remain aware that anything can happen as the competition progresses.

“Sa long [standard] game, may oras para mag-strategize nang mas malalim. Pero sa blitz, mas reflex-based—mas mabilis ang pacing at dapat mabilis din ang pag-iisip (In the long [standard] game, there is time to strategize more deeply. But in blitz, it is more reflex-based—the pacing is faster and you have to think fast too),” he explained.

Looking ahead, Coach Jayson is focused on the women’s team and the overall growth of FEU’s chess program.

“Ang iba pang FEU teams ay nakapasok rin sa Final Four, at sana makapasok sila sa championship. Tayo lang ang school na nakapasok ang apat na teams sa top spots, malinaw at patunay ito na maganda ang training at program ng FEU pagdating sa chess (The other FEU teams also made it to the Final Four, and hopefully they will make it to the championship. We are the only school with four teams in the top spots, this is clear and proof that FEU has a good training program when it comes to chess),” he shared.

With all Morayta-based teams pushing toward victory, the attention now shifts to the upcoming semifinal and final matches. The Lady Woodpushers, along with the rest of the competing teams, will return to the board against UST in the semifinals on Saturday, April 5, at the same venue.

Meanwhile, the FEU men’s chess team will be going against De La Salle University, the high school boys’ team will take on UST, and the high school girls’ squad will compete against National University-Nazareth School.

- Aine Peralta

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)