DEFENDING women’s champion National University kept its title-retention bid alive with a 2.5-1.5 win over league-leading Far Eastern University in the 12th round of the UAAP chess tournament at the FEU Tech Gym last Wednesday.

The Lady Bulldogs improved to 15 match points, two behind the Lady Tamaraws, who only have one remaining match, remained on top of the standings with 17 match points.

With FEU needing just a 2-2 split to virtually secure the title, NU’s Jesca Docena was able to salvage a draw against Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian in Board 3 to save the Bustillos-based woodpushers season.

The result came after Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy and Natasja Balabbo prevailed over Woman National Masters Vic Glysen Derotas and Rizalyn Tejada on Board 1 and 4.

The Lady Bulldogs’ lone defeat from Princess Ballete, who bowed to Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan on Board 2.

NU has two matches left in the season.

Ateneo also stayed within striking distance of a least a runner-up trophy after dominating La Salle, 3-1. The Blue Eagles sit in third place with 14 match points.

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas defeated Adamson, 2.5-1.5, in a battle of also-rans.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado