National University leaned on its doubles pair before Mark Velasco dominated in the decider to complete a massive 3-2 reverse sweep of University of the Philippines and book their place in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Badminton Final on Friday at the Centro Atletico Badminton Center.
The Bulldogs needed the heroics of Velasco, the country’s no. 2 men’s singles player, to keep their eight-peat dreams alive.
The Smash Pilipinas standout brushed off the challenge of Fighting Maroons’ rookie Johann Abinales, 21-9, 21-6, to complete the reversal that started with the side’s dependable doubles pairs.
NU will face Ateneo, a 3-0 winner over University of Santo Tomas in the other semis pairing, in the championship tie at 8 a.m. on Sunday.
In the distaff side, Ateneo extended its winning streak to 22 after successfully fending off the challenge from University of Santo Tomas with a 3-1 victory.
The Blue Eagles’ pursuit of a three-peat remained very much alive, thanks to the 21-13, 21-17 victory in the second doubles match by reigning MVP Mika De Guzman and second-year upstart Jochelle Alvarez over rookies Patricia De Leon and Marielle Alvarez.
The Blue Eagles are set to face the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, who secured a 3-0 victory against the National University Lady Bulldogs in the other pairing, in the Final on Sunday at 1 p.m., still at the same Cubao venue.
