Defending champion De La Salle University started its bid on a high note in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 75 women’s chess tournament at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Auditorium in Morayta, Manila.

La Salle toppled Ateneo de Manila University in the first round, 3.5-0.5, then followed it up with another 3.5-0.5 win over National University (NU) in the second round.

In other match, University of the Philippines (UP) whipped FEU, 3.5-0.5 and Adamson University, 3-1.

The Lady Archers are leading the standings with seven points followed by the Lady Maroons with 6.5 points and the Lady Bulldogs with 4.5 points.

In the men’s division, reigning six-time champion FEU scored a 3-1 opening round win over UP before earning a 3.5-0.5 victory over NU in the next round.

FEU has 6.5 points for an early lead while University of Santo Tomas (UST), La Salle and Adamson are sharing the second spot with 4.5 points.

UST defeated La Salle, 3-1, in the first round but faltered in the second via a 1.5-2.5 decision to Adamson.

La Salle, on the other hand, nipped University of the East (UE), 3.5-0.5.

Adamson drew with UE, 2-2, in the opening round.