The UAAP Season 88 Chess Tournament reached its final phase on October 19 at the Adamson University Gym, where the UST Men’s and NU Women’s teams emerged triumphant in their respective divisions.
A Golden Dynasty for the Tigers
The University of Santo Tomas Men’s team claimed their own dynasty in UAAP chess after capturing its fifth consecutive men’s championship and 12th overall title.
The Male Woodpushers delivered a commanding 3.5–0.5 victory over the University of the Philippines (UP) in the final round to complete their title run, marking another golden era for the España-based team. UST finished the tournament with 16.0 total points, comfortably ahead of Far Eastern University (14.0) and De La Salle University (11.0).
Team captain Chester Reyes led UST’s charge, remaining unbeaten through the last three rounds to capture the gold medal on Board 2 and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
“Sobrang saya ko po and malaki siyang achievement sakin (champion and MVP) kasi kahit wala na yung mga senior teammates namin, nakayanan pa rin namin na magperform this season. Sana po magtuloy-tuloy pa,” said Reyes.
Adding to UST’s medal haul, Lee Roi Palma (Board 3), Mark Reyes (Board 5), and Allan Hilario (Board 6) each clinched gold medals, while FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz settled for silver on the top board.
FEU and La Salle Complete Men’s Podium
Behind UST’s dominant campaign, Far Eastern University (FEU) finished as the runner-up, anchored by FIDE Master Marcojo’s gold-medal effort on Board 1.
Lemuel Adena added silver on Board 5, while Jerish John Velarde (Board 2) and National Master Franklin Andes (Board 6) each contributed bronze medals to solidify FEU’s second-place finish.
Completing the podium was De La Salle University (DLSU), which recovered from three early defeats to claim third place overall.
Rookie standout Rigil Pahamtang (Board 4) bagged a gold medal and the Rookie of the Year award, while John Lance Valencia (Board 6) earned silver and Cyril Telesforo (Board 3) secured bronze.
Outside the podium, Ateneo de Manila University ranked fourth, with Ritchie Abeleda (Board 4) taking silver and Christopher Kis-ing (Board 5) earning bronze.
The University of the Philippines finished fifth, collecting two silver medals from Io Aristle Calica (Board 2) and Daniel Tagufa (Board 3), and a bronze from Roderenz Adra (Board 4). Adamson University’s John Rocel Simon rounded out the medalists with a bronze on Board 1.
NU Lady Bulldogs Complete Stunning Comeback for the Women’s Crown
Over in the women’s division, National University (NU) delivered a spectacular turnaround to clinch the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Chess Championship, regaining the crown they last held in Seasons 84 and 85.
The Sampaloc-based Lady Bulldogs spent much of the season chasing frontrunner De La Salle University, but surged ahead in the final two rounds with back-to-back victories which included a crucial Round 13 triumph over La Salle in order to secure their third overall title.
“The way we became champion this season, talagang dumaan din kami sa butas ng karayom kasi naghabol kami eh. From Round 1 to Round 12, La Salle ang leading. Then nung Round 13 namin against them, luckily, nanalo kami. Up to the last round wala pa, everybody’s game pa rin,” shared NU coach Jojo Aquino, describing the tight race.
He then added, “Yung pressure talaga di nawawala yung (kada championship run). Yung kaibahan lang ngayon, yesterday talaga yung pinakafocal match namin. Kumbaga yung deciding. Kaya nga I told my players na ingat pa rin (sa laro sa last round). Don’t be complacent kasi syempre, mahiwaga ang chess eh. Buti na lang they responded very well.”
Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Allaney Doroy led NU’s title-clinching charge with a gold-medal finish on the top board, earning her second MVP award in the women’s division.
“Super proud ako tsaka masaya kasi last playing year ko na to tapos nakuha ko yung MVP at champion yung team. Kumbaga, bago man lang sana ako di na makapaglaro sa UAAP magchampion pa. Very thankful ako kasi binigay samin ni Lord yun na magchampion kami ulit after two seasons,” said Doroy, who had also been a two-time MVP in the NU Nazareth School girls’ division during Seasons 81 and 82.
Doroy was backed by Jersey Marticio, who captured Rookie of the Year honors and a silver medal on Board 2, and Kyla Dalagan, who also secured a silver on Board 4.
NU finished the tournament with 21.0 points, followed by De La Salle University (19.0), Far Eastern University (17.0), and University of Santo Tomas (12.0).
La Salle and FEU Shine for the Silver and Bronze Finish
Runner-up De La Salle University capped its season with a strong final-round showing to dethrone FEU, led by Woman National Master (WNM) Rinoa Sadey (Board 3) and Checy Telesforo (Board 5), who both struck gold.
Lovely Geraldino (Board 6) and WNM Francois Magpily (Board 1) added silver and bronze medals, respectively, helping La Salle edge past FEU for second place.
Far Eastern University (FEU), which settled for third overall, showcased depth with gold medals from Samantha Umayan (Board 2), Franchesca Largo (Board 4), and Joyce Rueda (Board 6).
The Lady Tamaraws also earned silver medals courtesy of Woman FIDE Master April Joy Claros (Board 3) and WNM Vic Glysen Derotas (Board 5).
Despite finishing outside the podium, University of Santo Tomas still made its presence felt as Jamaica Lagrio (Board 2), Rohanisah Buto (Board 4), Princes Oncita (Board 5), and Nathalie Liscano (Board 6) all took home bronze medals.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University’s Alphecca Gonzales earned bronze on Board 3, and Adamson University’s Robelle de Jesus claimed silver on the top board to close out the individual medalists in the women’s division.
A One of a Kind Season 88 Tournament
This year’s UAAP chess tournament broke the pattern of early title clinches.
UST’s men’s team continued its dynasty with another flawless finish, while NU’s Lady Bulldogs proved their resilience by climbing from behind to reclaim the championship after a two-season drought.
