University of the Philippines opened its title defense on high note, beating University of Santo Tomas, 4-1, in Group A of the 2nd SMART Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships on Thursday at the Centro Atletico Badminton Center in Quezon City.
The victory pushed the Fighting Maroons a win away from securing a place in the semifinals of the tournament backed by the Philippine Badminton Association and sponsored by A2Z Customs.
National team standout Jelo Albo kicked off UP’s campaign with a 21-14, 21-11 drubbing of Lennox Cuilao in the men’s singles rubber.
UAAP Season 85 top rookie Anthea Gonzalez followed suit with a 21-12, 21-18 victory in the women’s category over Philippine Badminton Open semifinalist Patricia De Leon.
UP’s Season 82 men’s captain, JM Bernardo, showed no signs of rust in his return as he and senior partner Michael Clemente secured the men’s doubles match with a 21-10, 21-17 victory over Janzen Panisales and Bien Villaflor, sealing the tie for the squad.
Sushmita Ramos and Andrea Abalos defeated Marielle Alvarez and Jennifer Saladaga, 14-21, 21-16, 21-18, in the women’s doubles match.
However, Raffi Santos and Kyle Basilio managed to secure a win for UST in the mixed doubles, with a score of 21-17, 19-21, 22-20, against Kimberly Lao and Jason Vanzuela.
The Golden Shuttlers slipped to 1-1 record. Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University both swept Mapua University, 5-0, setting up a battle for the Final Four berth in Group D.
