Precious Eve Ferrer displayed her brilliant form to capture the Queen of the North Chess Championship title on Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The University of the Philippines standout under coach Leonardo Carlos outplayed Nicole Elaiza Bulalaque  in 59 moves of the London System Opening in the 11^th and final round to finish the tournament with 10 points on nine wins and two draws en route to the crown.

The Lingayen, Pangasinan native also pocketed the P60,000 top purse.

More importantly, Ferrer earned an outright Woman National Master Title.

"The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) is pleased to confirm herewith that Precious Eve Ferrer has obtained the title of Woman National Master," said NCFP’s Jayson Gonzales.

Ferrer’s victories came at the expense of Mary Kay Gonzales in the first round, Azariah Daniel Cajigal in the second, Rachelle Joy Pascua in the third, Elizsa Gayle Cafirma in the fifth, Shantelle Marie Root in the sixth, Shaniah Francine Tamayo in the eight, Crishelle Angelica Dequillo in the ninth, Jheycelle Subia in the tenth, and Nicole Elaiza Bulalaque in the eleventh and final round.

She settled for draws with Jallen Herzchelle Agra in the fourth round and Woman National Master Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian in the seventh.

Meanwhile, Sebastian toppled hometown bet Princess Giovalyn Asan in 40 moves of London System Opening to finish with 9.0 points for the runner-up honors and the P30,000 consolation prize.

Pascua claimed third after tiebreaks where applied following her similar 8.5 point finish with Arga. 

The tournament was supported by Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, 102nd Homecoming UP Vanguard Incorporated (UPVI) Chairman Aldwin Galapon, the Philippine Sports Commission, Pag-Ibig Fund, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and International Arbiter Ricky Navalta.