University of the Philippines set up a grudge rematch with reigning four-time titlist National University after downing Ateneo, 3-2, Monday in the UAAP Season 81 badminton tournament.
JM Bernardo and Vinci Manuel came through with a 21-15, 21-15 victory over Fides Bagasbas and Sean Chan in the second doubles, while rookie Kyle Legaspi, rebounded from an second set defeat to beat Carlo Remo, 21-12, 9-21, 21-17, in the deciding singles for the Fighting Maroons to clinch the tie.
Bernardo provided UP’s other win with a 24-22, 21-4 conquest of Bagasbas in the first singles.
The Bulldogs and the Maroons open their best-of-three tie at 8 a.m. today at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
NU completed a 6-0 elimination round sweep and has won 41 consecutive ties.
In the women’s division, Ateneo completed its reversal of twice-to-beat NU with a 3-2 win in the Final Four decider to forge a Finals duel with UP today at 1 p.m.
Doubles players Geva de Vera and Chanelle Lunod shone while Samantha Ramos delivered the clincher in the third singles for the Lady Eagles to complete the fightback from a 1-2 hole in the exciting tie.
The Lady Bulldogs also lost the semis opener, 1-3, Sunday.
The Lady Maroons bagged the first slot in the best-of-three championship tie by ending De La Salle’s reign, 3-1.
Ateneo, which bested De La Salle in the first step-ladder Sunday to advance, level after Keoni Asuncion turned back Michael Clemente, 21-19, 21-14, in the second singles and later took the lead after Remo and Asuncion subdued Betong Pineda and Harvey Tungul, 21-19, 21-14, in the first doubles.