By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Far Eastern University (FEU) men’s chess team conquered the inaugural University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s blitz chess tournament to claim their first title since Season 82 and the green-and-gold squads’ lone championship title earlier today, April 5, at the Adamson University St. Vincent Gym in Manila City.

The green-and-gold chessers climbed past De La Salle University to move onto the finals, wherein they upset standard and rapid format champions University of Santo Tomas (UST).

For the successful run, Board 1 player and gold medalist Mark Jay Bacojo was hailed as the Most Valuable Player. Joining him in the individual medals are Dale Bernardo and Israelito Rilloraza with the Board 3 silver and the Board 5 gold, respectively.

In a post-event interview with FEU Advocate, FIDE (International Chess Federation) Master Bacojo mentioned the team’s joy in reviving their place as UAAP title-holders.

“We’re very happy because after [five] years of not landing a first-place [finish] here sa UAAP, finally, nakapag-gold,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Lady Woodpushers secured a finals spot as well by overcoming UST but ultimately fell against Ateneo de Manila University at the cost of the championship.

Individually, captain Glysen Derotas, Mary Joy Tan, and Samantha Umayan took home gold medals on Boards 3, 4, and 5, while Mhage Sebastian and Me Ann Joy Baclayon notched silver on Boards 2 and 6. Board 1 player Franchesca Largo then completed the 6-medal list with a bronze.

In the juniors division, the FEU-Diliman boys and girls also had to settle for silver podium finishes after losing against UST and the National University Nazareth School, respectively.

All of FEU’s first runners-up were able to force tied scores but unfortunately lost in the Board 1 tiebreakers.

With the long-desired quadruple title still eluding the University, head coach Grandmaster (GM) Jayson Gonzales still highlighted their achievement of reaching the finals in all four divisions.

“Even though we weren’t able to win as we expected na 4-0, it is historical for us na all of our four teams, nakarating sa finals. Hindi pa nangyayari ‘yun… Unfortunately, isa lang ang nag-champion (That has never happened… Unfortunately, only one came out as champions),” he stated.

Gonzales also shared how the teams are still happy for having at least a title each in Season 87.

“We pray a lot… I always believe there is a greater purpose. One of the things that I see in my point of view, masaya lahat kasi lahat ng team ay may tig-iisang championship (everyone is happy because each team has at least one championship),” the GM added.

In total, FEU’s UAAP Season 87 standard, rapid, and blitz chess campaigns resulted in six golds, five silvers, and one bronze finish.

(Photo courtesy of Max Dela Cruz/FEU Athletics)