De La Salle University snatched the top seed from Ateneo de Manila University despite falling to its archrival, 1.5-2.5, in the final round of the UAAP Season 87 Rapid Chess Championship elimination stage, Wednesday at the Adamson Gym.
The Lady Woodpushers, who were in second place after Round 5, created enough separation in the standings with a dominant 4-0 shutout victory over the Adamson Lady Falcons in Round 6.
That result meant La Salle needed just one win or two draws in Round 7 to secure the No. 1 seed.
La Salle clinched it thanks to Rinoa Sadey’s crucial victory over Ateneo’s Kristine Mae Flores on Board 3.
Meanwhile, defending standard event champion Far Eastern University rebounded from a rough start.
After suffering back-to-back losses early in the tournament, the Lady Tamaraws strung together four straight wins, culminating in a commanding 4-0 sweep of Adamson in Round 7.
Franchesca Largo was instrumental in FEU’s resurgence, delivering full points in every match during their winning streak.
In the final battle for the last semifinal spot, University of Santo Tomas edged National University, 2.5-1.5.
Entering the round in fifth place, UST needed a victory to advance.
Jamaica Lagrio (Board 2) and Christine Tabungar (Board 3) delivered crucial wins, while Princes Oncita secured the playoff berth with a draw on Board 4.
With the elimination round wrapped up, La Salle will take on UST, while Ateneo faces FEU in the semifinals on Saturday, March 29.