Ateneo and National University streaked to their fourth straight wins in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Badminton Tournament following contrasting victories on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.
The Blue Eagles staged a thrilling comeback against University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 3-2, with Season 86 co-MVP Lyrden Laborte posting the decisive win via a 21-8, 21-8 drubbing of rookie Ethan Dupet.
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. Talagang gano’n naman, it’s hard to say who’s going to get it. Kasi kahit pahirap na siya, everybody’s also gearing up for it,” 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 started the day right 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.
