National University’s Clarence Villaflor opened his bid for the inaugural University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s badminton singles title with a 21-8, 21-4 win over University of the Philippines’ Josh Dupet in the Round of 16 on Friday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Villaflor, bronze medalist in the 2026 Azerbaijan International Challenge, needed just 24 minutes to defeat the Fighting Maroons co-captain.
The NU shuttler will face La Salle’s Lovic Javier in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Adamson University’s Steveric Muring and John Vincent Saturinas also advanced, defeating University of Santo Tomas’ Ivan Tuazon, 21-10, 21-10, and Clark Brillantes, 21-12, 21-17, respectively.
Muring will face UP skipper Shan Clar, while Saturinas takes on Ateneo’s Lance Vargas.
Ateneo’s Zeth Quiambao advanced with a 21-15, 21-15 win over La Salle’s Joshua Cuarte and will meet NU captain Lanz Zafra, who received a first-round bye.
In doubles play, NU’s MJ Perez and Jacinth Paul Ruedas defeated UST’s John Vincent Espinoza and Manuel Fulmentera, 21-17, 21-18, setting up a quarterfinal showdown with La Salle’s Karl Contreras and Gift Linaban.
NU’s Ben Dictado and John Benedict Gam scored a 21-18, 21-12 win over La Salle’s Rey Nier Dalimo-Os and AJ Lorenz Jurada to advance against Ateneo rookies Wijel Albo and Rolan De Guzman.
Ateneo’s Lyrden Laborte and Robby Ramos defeated UP’s JM Amerodin and Joshua Martinez, 21-12, 21-12, to arrange a quarterfinal clash with Adamson’s Prince Betaisar and Jasper Manlangit.
UP’s Arjay Lazareto and Ryan Mendoza averted a shutout with a 21-18, 21-15 win over UST’s Ron Galve and Bien Miraflor. They will face Adamson’s John Paul Badang and Eur Cabanducos.
Amora, Fuggan march on
National University’s Sab Amora advanced to the women’s singles quarterfinals with a 21-16, 21-11 victory over Ateneo’s Jochelle Alvarez.
Amora will face La Salle’s Lady Tuario in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
University of the Philippines’ Brys Fuggan defeated NU’s Karyll Rio, 21-18, 21-15, and will next meet Ateneo captain Althea Ocampo.
UP’s Anthea Gonzalez swept Adamson University’s Abby Barcelona, 21-16, 21-14, to arrange a quarterfinal clash with UST’s Angelica Racca.
Adamson rookie Roshella Quierez defeated DLSU’s Kim Lagare, 21-10, 21-12, and will face UST’s Angel Vitangcol in the next round.
In women’s doubles, UP seniors Kimberly Lao and Susmita Ramos defeated Adamson’s Camille Buagas and Jennifer Ondol, 21-12, 21-16. They will face UST’s Marielle Alvarez and Harlene Herbabuena in the quarterfinals.
Adamson rookies Mary Destiny Untal and Jasmine Reformina also advanced with a 21-8, 21-11 win over DLSU’s Ghiselle Bautista and Erin Vitangcol. They will meet NU’s Tia Bualat and Lee-Anne De Leon.
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Ateneo also secured two women’s doubles quarterfinal spots. Althea Hernandez and Angel Valle defeated DLSU’s Alphecca Espe and Venice Salapong, 21-8, 21-16, to set up a meeting with NU’s Naeomi Gulpany and Harlene Diaz.
Daena Castro and Andrea Hernandez beat UST’s Hanie De Jesus and Christine Dorega, 21-15, 21-11, and will face UP’s Pat and Krissa De Leon.