The UST Lady Woodpushers failed to improve their standing after faltering against the NU Lady Bulldogs, 1-3, in the first round of the UAAP Season 87 chess women’s chess tournament on Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Adamson Sy Gymnasium.

The Lady Woodpushers ended the first stage by staying at the fifth spot with a total of six match points and 10 game points, while the Lady Bulldogs remain comfortable at third with 10 match points and 13 game points.

UST team captain Josemier Panol thrashed FIDE master Allaney Doroy with a 30-move drubbing to secure the España-based squad’s only win of the day.

Precious Yecla faltered against NU’s Natasja Balabbo in 38 moves despite using Magnus Carlsen’s Variation of the Sicilian in Board 2.

Princes Oncita failed to escape Princess Ballete in 60 moves on the third board, While Jenny Tulo fell short against Jelaine Adriano in 50 moves in Board 4 to secure their second win of the day.

Meanwhile, the UST Junior Male Woodpushers and Junior Lady Woodpushers walloped the Ateneo Blue Eagles 2.5-1.5 and the DLSZ Lady Archers 4-0, respectively, to finish their first-stage campaigns in second place in the juniors’ category.