Ben Madilynn
“Very special po nito sa akin (This is very special to me),” she added. “Ito po yung first championship trophy ko po sa open division, and after ilang years din po ngayon lang ako nag champ ulit, kasi yung last champion ko po ata nung 2022 pa po (It’s my first championship trophy in the open division, and it’s been years since I last became champion).”
She credited her FEU coaches for her preparation, especially lessons learned during the Uaap season. She also kept in mind their constant advice—to not let pressure or nerves get the best of her.
“Yung support din po ng family ko rin. Kaya I want to thank po si Lord talaga, family ko, and FEU chess team po for this win (It was also the support of my family. That’s why I really want to thank the Lord, my family, and the FEU chess team for this win),” Umayan added.
Umayan also expressed deep gratitude to her support system. “I really want to thank the Lord, my family, and the FEU chess team for this win.”
Janelle Mae Frayna, the country’s only Woman Grandmaster (WGM), congratulated Umayan in a Facebook post. “Miss Perfect!? 7 out of 7! Congrats to WNM Samantha Umayan for becoming CHAMPION in the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence Pace Fide Rated Event -2000 Below! Your FEU family is always proud of you!” she wrote. MLSA
Source: WNM Samantha Umayan sweeps 7-round chessfest after doubts
