National University claimed the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s badminton team title with a 3-1 victory over Ateneo in the finals on Wednesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Lanz Zafra defeated Rolan De Guzman, 21-7, 21-9, while Clarence Villaflor beat Wijel Albo, 21-9, 21-13, to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead.
Ateneo’s Robby Ramos and Lance Vargas defeated John Vincent Lanuza and MJ Perez, 21-17, 16-21, 21-7, to claim the Blue Eagles’ lone point.
John Benedict Gam and Jacinth Paul Ruedas sealed the championship for NU with a 21-19, 21-14 victory over reigning MVP Lyrden Laborte and Allen Penute.
University of the Philippines secured the bronze medal with a 3-2 comeback victory over University of Santo Tomas.
UP’s Shan Clar defeated Aaron Bedaña, 21-14, 21-10, before UST’s Arjay Lazareto and Ryan Mendoza beat John Vincent Espinoza and Manuel Fulmentera, 21-18, 22-20.
UST took a 2-1 lead after Clark Brillantes edged Josh Dupet, 30-29, 21-16, and Ron Galve and Bien Miraflor defeated MJ Amerodin and Kian Cruz, 16-21, 21-17, 21-17.
Jerard Borgador won for UP with a 16-21, 21-16, 21-16 victory over Ivan Tuazon in the deciding singles match.
Ateneo wins women’s crown
Ateneo defeated National University, 3-1, to top the women’s side.
Althea Ocampo beat Karyll Rio, 21-15, 20-22, 21-12, to level the tie at 1-1 after NU’s Sab Amora defeated Arkeexa Ojera, 21-5, 21-4.
Daena Castro and Andrea Hernandez then overcame Hailene Diaz and Naeomi Gulpany, 12-21, 21-18, 21-10, before Angel Valle and Althea Hernandez notched the clincher with a 14-21, 21-19, 21-8 victory over Tia Bualat and Lee-Anne De Leon.
UP swept Adamson, 3-0, to claim third place.
Anthea Gonzalez beat Abby Barcelona, 14-21, 21-12, 21-3, while Brys Fuggan defeated Key Aubrey Fuerte, 21-11, 21-10. Kimberly Lao and Susmita Ramos sealed the tie with a 16-21, 21-12, 21-14 win over Mary Destiny Untal and Jasmine Reformina.