FEU, La Salle begin title defense bids in UAAP chess

Far Eastern University aims for a record-tying sixth straight men's crown while La Salle seeks to defend the women's title at the start of the 74th UAAP chess tournament on Saturday at the FEU Mini Theater inside the Manila campus. The Tamaraws are a title away from tying the La Salle Green Archers' six-year reign that began in the 1999 season only to be snapped by the University of the East Red Warriors in 2005. FEU collected 45.5 points to win Season 73 by nine points over University of Santo Tomas (36.5) as the Tams clinched a league-best 12th men's crown. Adamson finished third last season with 30.0 points. Sheider Nebato led the Tamaraws' assault to claim his second straight men’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy. "I'm happy that the school is very supportive of the team, especially those who came over from the provinces not only to study but also to help FEU win titles. We take pride in it and I hope we continue to do well in the coming years," said Tamaraws coach Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales. FEU is hoping to make it a double celebration after its junior's squad is also defending the title. The Baby Tamaraws will again rely heavily on Jerad Docena, who last season clinched the MVP and Rookie of the Year awards. FEU snapped Adamson University’s three-year reign last season. The Lady Archers, on the other hand, won their third UAAP championship after garnering 45.0 points last season. The Tigresses came in second with 37.5 points, followed by Season 72 titlist FEU with 31.5 points. Jodilyn Fronda pulled off a rare feat in the UAAP, helping La Salle clinch the title and claiming the women's MVP and Rookie of the Year honors. — JVP, GMA News