FAR Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas each secured two championships at the UAAP Season 87 rapid chess tournament, which concluded Saturday (29 Mar 2025) at Adamson Gym.

In the boys’ division, FEU triumphed over UST, 3-1, with Jerish John Velarde defeating FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri on Board 1. The Lady Tamaraws dominated league-leader Ateneo de Manila University, 3.5-0.5, to claim the women’s title, while De La Salle University secured bronze.

FEU assistant coach Woman Grandmaster Janelle Frayna praised her team’s resilience despite early setbacks. “Our women’s team had a rough start, but we took it one game at a time. In the finals, we unexpectedly swept Ateneo 4-0, which gave us a strong advantage,” she said.

Meanwhile, UST clinched the girls’ crown with a narrow 2.5-1.5 win over FEU. Coach Ronald Dableo acknowledged luck played a role in their victory but credited assistant coach Grandmaster Darwin Laylo for his strategic preparations.

In the men’s finals, UST forced a tiebreak before FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz sealed the title with a decisive win over FEU’s FIDE Master Mark Bacojo.

Ateneo and National University Nazareth School took third place in the boys’ and girls’ divisions, respectively. The awarding ceremony for rapid and blitz chess events will be held on April 5.