San Beda and UP to dispute inaugural PIBC title

San Beda into the finals

The University of the Philippines and San Beda topped their respective groups to set up a finals matchup on Sunday afternoon at the badminton courts of Centro Atletico in Quezon City for the SMART-Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships.

Sunday morning saw the Fighting Maroons winning all five matches of their tie against the University of Santo Tomas in Group A.

Kervin Llanes started things off with a 21-14 18-21 21-12 victory over Lennox Cuilao in men's singles.

Anthea Gonzalez neutralized her Golden Shuttler counterpart Charlize Belen, 21-6 21-5 in women's singles, before Michael Clemente and Paul Gonzales clinched the tie over Francis Sarmiento and Lanz Ramirez, 21-17 21-19.

Completing the sweep are Susmita Ramos and Althea Fuentespina's 21-15 21-14 victory over Elij Pena and Jennifer Saldaga in women's doubles, followed by Jason Vanzuela and Lea Inlayo's 21-15 21-13 win over Rhafi Santos and Ron Jacob Galve in mixed doubles.

Group B featured a matchup of undefeated teams, but the Red Shuttlers emerged victorious, 4-1.

Julie Gimena and Iana Belen clinched the tie for the lone NCAA participant in women's doubles, dispatching their Mighty Maroons counterparts Jermae and Angel Esto, 23-21 21-5.

PUP did manage to secure a win in their matchup, as Mary Joy Arizara claimed her singles matchup against Anniena Cruz. 21-12 21-18.

The other matchups ended in contrasting fashion.

Ateneo wrapped up its stint with a sweep over Adamson in Group A, as Arthur Salvado and Lynden Laborte secured a 21-15 21-15 triumph over Noel Hernandez and Gabrielle Ganov in men's doubles.

Technological University of the Philippines outlasted Rizal Technological University in the other matchup, 3-2, to wrap up their campaign.

Joanna Dumapit and Derothy Mella sealed the tie over Lowella Navarro and Andrea Paurillo in women's doubles.

Ateneo and PUP will finish as co-bronze medalists, with UP and San Beda set to dispute the title at 1pm.

This tournament is organized by the Philippine Badminton Association, powered by SMART Communications, and supported by the MVP Sports Foundation, Ducksports, Young, and Apacs.