FEU-Diliman's Oscar Cantela in action in the UAAP Season 87 boys' chess tournament. UAAP Media

MANILA -- Far Eastern University-Diliman has virtually secured the boys' and girls' championships in the UAAP Season 87 high school chess tournaments, with still two rounds left to play.

The Baby Tamaraws claimed their seventh straight victory with a near-perfect 3.5-0.5 conquest of second-ranked University of Santo Tomas in Round 8, virtually clinching the title.

Oscar Cantela (6/7) led the charge for FEU-D, outmaneuvering Sumer Oncita (2/5) in a 58-move queen and bishop endgame to secure a crucial win on the top board.

On Board 3, Jerish John Velarde (6.5/7) neutralized Karlycris Clarito Jr. (3.5/6) using an e-file passed pawn to force zugzwang after just 35 moves. Meanwhile, Lemuel Adena (6/6) delivered a 48-move checkmate against Jian Rivera (3/6) on Board 4.

UST's John Cyrus Borce (3/4) managed to salvage a draw with Franklin Andes (3.5/5), preventing a shutout for the Tigers.

READ: UST men on verge of fourth straight chess crown

In the girls' division, Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino (7/7) once again spearheaded FEU-D to a commanding 4-0 victory over Adamson University, securing the high school division titles. 

Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino of FEU-Diliman in action in the UAAP Season 87 girls' chess tournament. UAAP MediaThe wunderkind from Cagayan de Oro earned her eighth straight win with a 50-move triumph over Lira Placer (2.5/6) on the top board.

April Joy Carlos (7/7) followed suit with a 30-move checkmate against Adamson's Christen Reyes (3/5), while Franiel Magpily (3/4) showcased her endgame skills by defeating Florence Isabedra (2.5/6) in 63 moves of a knight endgame.

Lyn Getubig (1/2) rounded out FEU-D's sweep, securing a victory over Ma. Christina Samarita (4/6) on Board 4.

Meanwhile, National University - Nazareth School bounced back from its Stage 1 loss to UST with a dominant 3.5-0.5 victory in Round 9, moving up to third place. 

Jersey Marticio (5.5/7), Juzeia Agne (3/5), and Kyla Dalagan (3/5) secured the wins for NUNS, outclassing Daren dela Cruz (3/6), Iana Sotaridona (3/6), and Trina Temple (4/5). Sara Dalagan (3/6) earned a draw with UST's Nathalie Liscano (3.5/5).

In another boys' division match, Ateneo High School defeated De La Salle Zobel, 3-1, keeping their hopes alive for a podium finish. 

Arena FIDE Masters Ronell Co (3.5/6) and Marc Fua (2/5) clinched crucial victories over James Vinluan (0/5) and Gian Caguiat (0/5), respectively, while Luis Guttierez (3.5/6) ensured Ateneo’s Round 8 win by defeating Nathan Navarro (0/5). 

Ateneo's only loss came from Jose Pio Caro (1/5), who fell to Tyrhone Tabernilla (4/6) on Board 1.

Round 9 for both divisions is scheduled for Saturday.