MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region (NCR) team, represented by Far Eastern University (FEU) kicked off its bid for the 1st Commission on Higher Education (CHED) National Finals chess team crown by sweeping its 1st assignments yesterday at the Rizal Technological University (RTU) in Mandaluyong City.

The Lady Tamaraws which is composed of Doha Asian Games veteran campaigner Woman National Master (WNM) Jedara Docena, Rulp Ylem Jose, Jenny Rose Palomo and Lovelyn Medina, defeated the Region 5 team.

The members of the Region 5 contingent are Jazzel Orobia, Myra Colina, Mary Ann Elopre and Sheen Rose Agapito.

“It's a great start for the Lady Tamaraw team,” said 2-time Olympian Grandmaster (GM) Jayson Gonzales. The team’s assistant coach is National Master (NM) Alex Milagrosa.

In the men's division, the NCR chess team also represented by FEU defeated Region 6, 3-1.

Sheider Nebato and Antonio Chavez Jr. won their matches over Mark Gustilo and Michael Silvederio on boards 2 and 4 respectively.

Lyndon Sombilon and Luffe Magdalaga, meanwhile, settled for draws with Allen Mirano and Bryll Arellano on boards 1 and 3 respectively.

RTU president Dr. Jose Q. Macaballug led the opening rites of the CHED chess tourney.

The tournament’s director is Limneo Cordero who is assisted by arbiters Kim Dumdum, Ronnie Tabudlong, Raul Cruz and National Masters Erwin Carag and Mauro Yasay. Marlon Bernardino.