ATENEO de Manila and National University (NU) maintained their perfect 4-0 records in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Badminton Tournament following contrasting victories on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.
The Blue Eagles staged a thrilling comeback against University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, winning 3-2.
Season 86 co-Most Valuable Player (MVP) Lyrden Laborte clinched the victory in the deciding singles match, defeating rookie Ethan Dupet decisively with scores of 21-8, 21-8.
In contrast, the Bulldogs delivered a dominant performance, sweeping University of Santo Tomas Golden Shuttlers, 5-0.
Season 85 MVP Solomon Padiz Jr. and Jeno Cariño secured the opening doubles match with a 21-13, 21-14 victory over Janzen Panisales and RJ Galve.
The two reigning champions will clash for the top spot on Sunday at 8 a.m. at the same venue.
“I’m happy with their performance. A win is still a win, and I’m glad they’ve pulled through,” said Ateneo head coach Kennie Asuncion, reflecting on the team’s effort.
The match between Ateneo and UP started with both teams splitting the first two singles matches.
Robby Ramos opened for Ateneo, defeating fellow rookie Shan Clar, 21-7, 21-17, before Smash Pilipinas standout Jewel Albo equalized for UP with a 21-12, 21-16 victory over Lance Vargas.
UP gained the upper hand when Enzo Rivera and Mark Anthony Bernal outplayed Laborte and Charles Bagasbas, winning 21-13, 21-16 in 40 minutes.
However, Ateneo’s Arthur Salvado Jr. and Vargas rallied to level the score, defeating Johann Abinales and Charles Alcarpio, 21-9, 21-17, setting the stage for Laborte’s decisive win.
Meanwhile, NU head coach Jaime Llanes emphasized the importance of consistency moving forward.
The Bulldogs dominated their match against UST with Lanz Zafra and Mark Anthony Velasco setting the tone with impressive wins in the first two singles rubbers.
Zafra overwhelmed Francis Sarmiento, 21-8, 21-5, in just 25 minutes, while Velasco secured a swift 21-7, 21-14 win over Lennox Cuilao in 30 minutes.
