Ateneo asserts collegiate badminton domination in de Guzman farewell

c/o UAAP

ATENEO de Manila University reclaimed the throne and was crowned queen of the UAAP Season 88 Badminton tournament, sweeping first-time finalist National University, 3-0, on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Malate, Manila.

As if scripted, graduating captain Mika De Guzman capped her UAAP career with a rousing performance, leading the Blue Eagles to their eighth UAAP title in her fifth and sixth years—making her swan song a true coronation.

Ateneo completed the badminton golden double as its men's team earlier secured victory over the University of the Philippines, 3-0.

A standout from St. Paul College in Pasig, De Guzman ensured her return was one of redemption, sweeping the two events she played—the first singles match and the first doubles match.

De Guzman, a Smash Pilipinas standout, displayed both consistency and dominance, needing just 20 minutes in her final singles match to topple Hailene Diaz, 21-8, 21-8. Diaz tried to match De Guzman at the start of both games, but the Ateneo star quickly took control and never looked back.

Her teammate and sophomore, Althea Ocampo, overcame a first-game setback to defeat NU's top player, Ysabel Amora, 17-21, 21-12, 21-13, in the second singles rubber.

Ocampo showed flashes of brilliance in the opener against Amora, but her rally wasn’t enough to take down the Lady Bulldog.

The Season 87 Rookie of the Year, however, carried that momentum into the second and third games, putting Ateneo on the verge of the championship.

With Ateneo up 2-0, De Guzman and co-captain Jochelle Alvarez wasted no time reclaiming the throne for the Blue Eagles in the lone doubles match.

After the mandatory break for Amora, who also played doubles, De Guzman and Alvarez dominated the first game and turned the second set into a statement of their championship credentials.

The Ateneo captains patiently waited for the right moments to attack, and despite taking 34 minutes to close the match, they claimed a decisive 21-6, 21-10 victory over Amora and Gwyneth Desacola, securing both the tie and the championship.

"Of course, I am very happy and proud of the team, that we were able to bring the double gold back to Ateneo. So just really happy and proud of everyone," De Guzman said.

"Well, sobrang nakita ko naman. Kay Avec (Ocampo) pa lang nakita ko na all heart, all out siya. And I am very happy that Jochelle and I also gave our all out, all heart this season."

With this triumph, Ateneo claimed its sixth men's title and ninth women's crown, marking a third double crown and a second twin victory in three years.

With eventual MVPs De Guzman and Lyrden Laborte leading the way, longtime head coach Kennie Asuncion-Robles credited the team’s hunger after last year’s losses.

"Definitely, maraming learnings from what happened last year, so talagang gutom sila to take it back," said the concurrent program director of the Philippine Badminton Association.

"Sobrang ok na, we had good recruitment and it played a big role, eh, kasi hindi sobrang pagod 'yung players mo. Hindi kailangang mag-double event lahat. It was really a big help."

University of the Philippines continued its post-pandemic podium streak with a third-place finish, sweeping University of Santo Tomas, 3-0.

Susmita Ramos and Anthea Gonzalez gave the Fighting Maroons a 2-0 lead following contrasting victories in the singles matches.

Ramos, a former Smash Pilipinas standout, ended her fourth year with a 21-19, 22-20 win over Reshane Nicor, while last year’s MVP, Gonzalez, needed 36 minutes to dominate eventual co-Rookie of the Year Hanie De Jesus, 21-15, 21-8.

Newcomers Krissa De Leon and Trisha Postrano then secured the bronze with a 21-18, 21-18 win over UST seniors Jennifer Saladaga and Rhafi Anne Santos.

The Fighting Maroons also had another reason to celebrate, as Brys Fuggan shared the top rookie award with De Jesus.

On the men’s side, 18-year-olds Lovic Javier of De La Salle University and JR Pandi of Ateneo were named Rookies of the Year.

Postseason berths in Women's Badminton secured for UP, Ateneo

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Badminton Standings

Men's:
Ateneo 3-0*
NU 3-0*
UP 2-1
UST 1-2
AdU 0-3
DLSU 0-3

Women's:
Ateneo 3-0*
UP 3-0*
NU 2-1
AdU 1-2
DLSU 0-3
UST 0-3

* - Clinched Final Four

Ties tomorrow (Thursday) at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall

Men's at 8am
NU vs UP
UST vs Ateneo
DLSU vs AdU

Women's at 1pm
1 p.m. - UP vs NU
1 p.m. - UST vs Ateneo
1 p.m. - DLSU vs AdU

Defending champion University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University stamped their class over their respective opponents to clinch spots in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Badminton Final Four of the after notching their third consecutive victories on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Malate, Manila.

The defending champion Fighting Maroons fended off the challenge of the University of Santo Tomas, 4-1, with last season’s heroes Kimberly Lao and Anthea Gonzalez sealing the win in the second doubles match.

The UP seniors dispatched Marielle Alvarez and Christine Dorega, 21-17, 21-11, in just 36 minutes to secure the tie, setting up an exciting matchup against Season 87 bronze medalist National University on Thursday.

“Ang lagi lang naman naming sinasabi sa kanila is every game, ibigay ang best. Siguro, ‘yun ‘yung strength ng team — every game, hindi sila nape-pressure. Talagang one point at a time lang ‘yung iniisip nila,” said Fighting Maroons coach Isay Cayanan.

("We always tell them to give their all in every game. I think that’s the strength of the team — they don’t feel pressured. They just focus on taking it one point at a time.")

“Kami naman kasi hindi naman kami tumitingin kung anong school ‘yan kasi lahat naman ‘yan laban talaga. Kumbaga, ‘pag dating ng UAAP, lahat ‘yan, anybody’s game. Focus lang every game at ibigay ‘yung best, kasi ‘pag binigay mo ‘yon, lalabas naman sa resulta,” added the Season 80 champion with De La Salle University.

("We don’t look at which school we’re facing because every team will fight hard. When it’s the UAAP, it’s anybody’s game. We just focus on giving our best every match — when you do that, the results will follow.")

Earlier, Gonzalez and rookie Brys Fuggan set the tone for the reigning queens by building a 2-0 lead. Gonzalez, last year’s MVP, bounced back from a first-set loss to dominate Hanie De Jesus, 15-21, 21-12, 21-11, while Fuggan rolled to her third straight singles win with a 21-16, 21-12 triumph over Dorega.

UST managed to snatch one back through Jennifer Saladaga and Rhafi Santos, who swept Krissa De Leon and Susmita Ramos, 21-19, 21-16. But that was all the Golden Tigresses could muster, as Ramos closed out the tie with a commanding 21-5, 21-11 victory over Saladaga in the third singles match, sending UST to a 0-3 card.

Meanwhile, Ateneo showed no mercy against Adamson University, cruising to a 5-0 sweep behind captain Mika De Guzman and rookie Althea Hernandez. The Blue Eagles sealed the tie in just 41 minutes as De Guzman and Hernandez defeated Keanne Casaje and Patricia Floria, 21-17, 21-14, in the first doubles match.

Co-captains De Guzman and Jochelle Alvarez gave the Blue Eagles an early 2-0 cushion after the singles rubbers. De Guzman limited Key Aubrey Fuerte to just 13 points, 21-5, 21-8, while Alvarez held off Abbygail Barcelona in three games, 21-18, 13-21, 21-9.

With the tie secured, Ateneo completed the sweep as Alvarez teamed up with Daena Castro to defeat Graziel Cabriga and Rhealyn Pedron, 21-18, 21-11, before Althea Ocampo downed Khylle Agura, 21-7, 21-14, in the final singles.

National University, meanwhile, stayed within striking distance of the leaders after improving to 2-1 with a 3-2 victory over De La Salle University.

Lady Bulldog rookie Hailene Diaz delivered her breakout performance, clinching the decisive third singles match with a 21-11, 21-15 win over Lady Green Shuttlers captain Ghiselle Bautista after the tie was deadlocked at two rubbers apiece.

Ysabel Amora opened the tie with a dominant 21-10, 21-10 win over Via Antonio, but De La Salle’s Zashca Tuario responded with a hard-fought 21-10, 12-21, 21-19 victory against Karyll Rio. Antonio and Bautista then gave La Salle the lead after outlasting Diaz and Alhana Mabale, 21-17, 14-21, 21-14.

However, Amora and Rio leveled the tie with a 20-22, 21-17, 21-17 triumph over Mia Manguilimotan and Ma. Army Espe, setting the stage for Diaz’s clutch performance in the decider.

The qualifying rounds continue on Thursday at 1 p.m., featuring semifinal-bound UP and Ateneo facing NU and UST, respectively, in search of their fourth wins, while De La Salle and Adamson will battle for their first victory of the season.

UP dominant to kickstart Women's Badminton title defense

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women's Badminton Standings
Ateneo 1-0
UP 1-0
NU 1-0
UST 0-1
AdU 0-1
DLSU 0-1

Ties tomorrow (Sunday) at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall

Men's at 8am
NU vs DLSU
AdU vs UST
Ateneo vs UP

Women's at 1pm
UP vs DLSU
AdU vs UST
Ateneo vs NU

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines opened its bid for a back-to-back crown with a commanding 4-1 rout of Adamson University on the opening day of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Badminton Tournament on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Malate, Manila.

The Fighting Maroons began their title defense in dominant fashion, led by reigning MVP Anthea Gonzalez and team captain Kimberly Lao, who sealed the tie for an early share of the top spot.

The senior duo asserted their dominance with a 21-16, 21-11 victory over Keanna Casaje and Rheylyn Pedron in just 35 minutes, following Adamson’s lone win from the earlier doubles rubber.

The Lady Falcons drew first blood as veterans Graziel Cabriga and Nicole Ondol outlasted UP’s rookie-sophomore tandem of Shei Dela Cruz and Nikki Paz, 24-22, 10-21, 21-19, but that turned out to be their only success as the Fighting Maroons flexed their championship form in the next three matches.

“Sa girls, OK naman naging performance nila. Yun lang partnership ni Shei (Dela Cruz) and Nikki, medyo kinulang sa huli. ‘Yung pressure umabot sa kanila nung second set, so, nakabawi man, kinulang pa rin,” said coach Almar Convento.

“Pero, at the end of the day, maganda naman ang nilaro ng girls; lifted naman yung morale nila. Kaya for tomorrow, panibagong laban na naman ‘yan.”

("The girls performed well today. It's just that the partnership of Shei and Nikki fell short of getting the win. They felt the pressure during the second set; they recovered, but it was a little too late. Although at the end of the day, they played generally well, and the morale is still high. Tomorrow is another day to show up and fight.")

Rookie Brys Fuggan and Gonzalez opened the tie with back-to-back singles wins before Adamson’s brief fightback.

Fuggan showed poise in her 21-17, 21-14 triumph over Key Aubrey Fuerte, while Gonzalez turned up the heat late in both sets to stop Abbygail Barcelona, 21-14, 21-12.

Senior Susmita Ramos wrapped up the win for the Fighting Maroons with a steady 21-12, 21-19 finish over Khylle Agura.

Meanwhile, fellow podium finishers from last season — Ateneo de Manila University and National University — also kicked off their campaigns on a strong note, scoring decisive wins over De La Salle University (5-0) and University of Santo Tomas (4-1), respectively.

Ateneo’s Mika De Guzman, fresh from a runner-up finish in the MAXX North Harbour International, and returning standout Jochelle Alvarez sealed the win for the Blue Eagles after taking down Viana Antonio and Ghiselle Bautista, 21-14, 21-17, in the first doubles match.

On the other hand, NU’s Ysabel Aurora and Karyll Rio battled for almost an hour to complete a hard-earned 16-21, 21-17, 21-15 comeback against Rhafi Santos and Christine Dorega in their second doubles rubber.

De Guzman and last season's Rookie of the Year Althea Ocampo gave Ateneo a 2-0 cushion after cruising through their singles matches.

De Guzman swept Bautista, 21-8, 21-10, in 28 minutes, while Ocampo outlasted Zashca Tuaño, 21-17, 21-15.

Althea Fuentespina and Althea Hernandez then made it 4-0 for Ateneo after dispatching Mia Manguilimotan and Venice Salapong, 21-14, 21-7, before Angel Valle completed the team sweep with a hard-fought 23-21, 14-21, 21-16 win over Antonio.

Meanwhile, Aurora and Rio put the Lady Bulldogs in front with wins in the first two singles matches. Aurora won past Hanie De Jesus, 21-8, 21-17, while Rio battked through a gritty stance from Dorega, 18-21,  21-10, 21-7.

UST pulled one back courtesy of the 21-11, 21-11 victory of Marielle Alvarez and Jennifer Saladaga against Hailene Diaz and Naeomi Gulpany.

Diaz, though, made sure to get a win to end the day, beating Reshane Nicor, 21-15, 21-16.

UP, Ateneo, and NU will aim to keep their winning momentum on Sunday.

Ateneo and NU are set for a rematch of last season’s semifinal at 1 p.m., while UP faces De La Salle University in pursuit of a 2-0 start.

Meanwhile, Adamson and UST will battle for their first win — all matches still at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Malate.

Finals rematch locked in for UAAP Women's Badminton

Ties on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall

Men's:

8 a.m. – NU vs Ateneo (Final)

8 a.m. – UP vs UST (Third-place match)

1 p.m. – UP vs Ateneo (Final)

1 p.m. – NU vs UST (Third-place match)

ATENEO De Manila University and University of the Philippines arranged a third straight championship showdown after taking down respective foes in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Badminton Tournament Final Four on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.

Rookie Althea Ocampo fueled the reigning champions Blue Eagles’ campaign for a fifth straight UAAP title, finishing the contest on a 3-2 decision over the National University Bullpups.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons leaned on the prowess of third-year stalwart Anthea Gonzalez in sweeping the University of Santo Tomas Lady Shuttlers, 3-0, to secure an eighth Finals appearance in nine seasons.

The third consecutive installment of the Battle of Katipunan for the UAAP women’s badminton tiara is set for Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the same Malate venue.

Ocampo secured Ateneo’s 10th championship berth in 11 seasons following a 21-9, 21-9, win over Tia Bualat in the third and deciding singles rubber.

“Actually, ‘yung pagpasok ko po sa Ateneo is pressure po sa ‘kin kasi nga po I’m joining a champion team, Pero tinake ko ‘yung pressure na ‘yun at in-invert ko into something positive. Kasi kung magpapadala ako sa pressure, ‘yung team lang masisira,” said the 2024 Palarong Pambansa secondary girls’ gold medalist.

“Nagpe-pray lang po talaga ko na manalo ‘yung second doubles para ‘pag dating sa ‘kin, laruin ko lang po ‘yung best ko,” Ocampo added.

The reigning four-peat champions had to do it the hard way.

Ateneo bagged the first singles match with captain Mika De Guzman back in fold after two matchdays of absence. The Smash Pilipinas standout powered through 2024 Philippine Badminton Open Women’s Singles Finals rival, Ysabel Amora, 21-15, 21-17.

The Bulldogs snagged the lead with Karyll Rio and the pair of Jeya Von Pinlac and Andria Songcuan. Rio leveled the contest with a 21-19, 21-11 win over Feeby Ferrer, while Pinlac and Songcuan emerged victorious over De Guzman and Ocampo, 21-14, 21-13.

Ferrer then made amends for Ateneo, teaming up with fellow third-year standout Maxene Olango in a come-from-behind conquest of NU seniors Sarah Barredo and Gwyneth Desacola, 18-21, 21-16, 21-12, to set up Ocampo’s heroics.

On the other hand, Gonzalez and Kimberly Lao avenged their 22-24, 16-21 elimination-round loss to Marielle Alvarez and Patricia De Leon, winning it 21-19, 21-18 this time to secure UP a third straight Finals ticket.

“Nung una po kasi, kaunti lang po ‘yung time namin mag-practice na dalawa (ni Kimy); biglaan lang po talaga ‘yon. Kaya ‘yung unang laro po namin, pressured kami, kasi ‘yung mga tinuro sa ‘min bago lang rin sa ‘min,” said the Season 85 Rookie of the Year.

“Pero ‘to pong wins namin, importante po talaga ‘yung confidence. Paano ka mananalo kung hindi ka confident? Dapat talaga mas lamang ‘yun sa kaba. Hindi rin kayo mananalo kung sa sarili mo lang ikaw nagtitiwala, o sa teammate mo lang. Dapat lahat kayo gusto niyong lumaban; lahat kayo dapat gustong manalo,” she added.

The third-year stalwart, Gonzalez, opened the day with a victory against De Leon, 21-8, 21-11. Susmita Ramos doubled the advantage with a 21-12, 21-12 clinic past Reshane Nicor in the following singles match.

NU will battle UST in the third-place playoff at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Finals rematch set in UAAP Men's Badminton

c/o UAAP

Ties on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall

8 a.m. – NU vs Ateneo (Men's Gold Medal Tie)

8 a.m. – UP vs UST (Men's Bronze Medal Tie)

ATENEO and National University will meet again for a fourth straight championship after besting their respective Final Four foes in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Badminton Tournament on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.

Lyrden Laborte steered the Blue Eagles to a fourth consecutive Finals appearance following a 3-1 win over University of the Philippines.

The Bulldogs will have a chance for redemption from last season's defeat after defeating University of Santo Tomas, 3-0, in the other Final Four tie.

Ateneo will stake its title against undefeated NU at 8 a.m. on Wednesday at the same Malate venue.

The Bulldogs won over the Blue Eagles in Season 82 (2019) and 85 (2022) to complete a seven-peat before losing the crown last year

Laborte, the Blue Eagles captain started the comeback when he fended off the challenge of Fighting Maroons rookie Shan Clar in the second singles rubber, 21-17, 22-20.

Laborte then paired up with their newbie Robby Ramos to extend Ateneo’s reign, 21-14,16-21, 21-15, over Jelo Albo and Johann Abinales in the second doubles.

“At the start parang focused lang po talaga kami sa laro. We kept our presence of mind and we just put God in the center of our team no matter what. Ngayon nakuha na namin, na kahit down kami one game, we kept our spirits na ando’on pa rin,” said the UAAP Season 86 co-MVP.

“Yung NU, alam namin na mabigat na team since natalo nga kami (nung Sunday), pero kailangan naming isipin na kaya namin to. One point at a time, one game at a time. Kaya naman namin talaga basta maniwala lang kami,” shared Laborte.

Ateneo started at the back foot after Smash Pilipinas standout Albo took first blood for UP in a 21-19, 21-16 sweep of Lance Vargas.

The defending champions then went three of three starting with Laborte’s singles win.

Vargas made amends for his tight loss to Albo, pairing with former skipper Arthur Salvado Jr. in a significant stunner of the erstwhile unbeaten pair of Enzo Rivera and Mark Anthony Bernal, 21-18, 21-17, to set up the clincher.

On the other hand, the Bulldogs clinched their 12th consecutive Finals showdown with Season 85 co-MVP Solomon Padiz Jr. and the returning Jeno Cariño getting it done in the lone doubles match.

Padiz and Cariño pulled through for NU, taking the championship berth in a 21-19, 21-14 decision past UST’s Bien Miraflor and Lennox Cuilao.

Lanz Zafra and Mark Anthony Velasco set the sweep with similar two-setters in the two singles matches. Zafra dominated Cuilao, 21-13, 21-7, while Velasco made quick work of Francis Haroun Sarmiento, 21-6, 21-7.

“From the start, ang lagi ko lang sinasabi sa kanila na ‘yung consistency ng laro nila. All throughout the game, dapat kung ano ‘yung sinimulan nila nung una, dapat ganun pa rin sila. Hindi dapat bumababa,” said long-time Bulldogs head coach Jaime Llanes.

“Yung mga players ko in high spirits talaga. And from the start, alam mong gusto nilang bumawi,” he added.

UP and UST will play in the battle for third tiff at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

Ateneo, NU, UP seek return trips to UAAP Badminton Finals

c/o UAAP

Ties Tuesday at Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall

8 a.m. – Men's Final Four

NU vs UST / Ateneo vs UP

1 p.m. – Women's Final Four

UP vs UST / NU vs Ateneo

TOP seeds National University and University of the Philippines look to consolidate their unbeaten runs in the preliminary rounds of men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, when the UAAP Season 87 Badminton Tournament Final Four happens today (Tuesday) at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.

The Bulldogs will take on the University of Santo Tomas Golden Shuttlers at 8 a.m., while the Fighting Maroons will face the UST Lady Shuttlers at 1 p.m.

The Final Four winners will advance to the one-off Final on Wednesday, while the losers will play in a third-place tie on the same day.

Jeno Cariño and Solomon Padiz Jr. secured the fifth straight win for NU this season and the top rank in the semis last Sunday. The pair pulled off a 14-21, 21-11, 21-16 comeback against Lyrden Laborte and Robby Ramos of Ateneo De Manila University.

“Para sa ‘min, talagang nilaban namin ‘tong second doubles ni Monchi to secure ‘yung Final Four slot na top one. Ine-aim talaga naming mag-top one kasi ‘pag nag top one kami, good things can happen,” said the former Ateneo Blue Eagle Cariño.

On the other hand, Susmita Ramos and Dianne Libaton reeled UP into a similar preliminary-round sweep and the No. 1 seed. The tandem remained unbeaten after last Sunday's 21-15, 22-20 conquest of Ateneo’s Althea Ocampo and Missy Cervantes.

“Gagawin po namin ‘yung lahat para maka-abot kami sa Final. Sabi nga ng coaches, nothing to lose and everything to gain. ‘Yung preparation naman namin, alam naman naming magiging worth it,” said the rookie Libaton.

Ateneo, the double champions from Season 86, will shoot for bounce-back victories on the other side of the Final Four to keep its reign alive.

The men’s squad will battle the UP Fighting Maroons at 8 a.m., while the women’s side will take on the NU Lady Bulldogs at 1 p.m.

Both the Ateneo and NU women's teams are hoping that their aces Mika de Guzman and Sarah Barredo, respectively,  are good to go for the do-or-die encounters as the duo missed last weekend's ties due to illness.

UP matches Ateneo with consecutive victories in women's badminton

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 Women's Badminton Standings

Ateneo 2-0

UP 2-0

NU 1-1

UST 1-1

DLSU 0-2

AdU 0-2

Ties on Saturday

Men's 

8 a.m. - Ateneo vs UST / DLSU vs UP / AdU vs NU

Women's

1 p.m. - Ateneo vs UST / DLSU vs NU / AdU vs UP

SUSMITA Ramos pulled off a stunning sweep in the deciding singles match to steer University of the Philippines into a 3-2 escape from National University in the UAAP Season 87 Women's Badminton tournament on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.

The third-year Fighting Maroon kept her composure in the second-game rally to deny Lady Bulldogs captain Sarah Barredo an extension, finishing the match in 43 minutes, 21-11, 21-18.

With their second straight win, UP puts themselves into a share of the lead with the defending four-time champion Ateneo, which had to endure a gritty fight with rival De La Salle University for a 5-0 win.

In the other Sunday tie, University of Santo Tomas got its breakthrough this season against Adamson University, 4-1.

Reigning three-time MVP Mika De Guzman and rookie Althea Dawn Ocampo had to endure the challenge of Viana Antonio and Mia Manguilimotan in a 63-minute back-and-forth action, 17-21, 21-11, 21-16 in the first doubles match to take the titleholder's second consecutive win.

Meanwhile, Lady Shuttlers Patricia De Leon and Mariell Alvarez dominated Lady Falcons' Justin Barasona and Jennifer Ondol, 21-10, 21-14 for their side's first win of the season.

After De Guzman, the Ateneo captain, waylaid Ghiselle Bautista with a 36-minute work, 21-9, 21-14, a long battle ensued between the Blue Eagles and the Lady Green Shuttlers.

Angel Valle needed an hour and 13 minutes to subdue Lady Tuario in the second singles match, 21-12, 16-21, 23-21, before De Guzman and Ocampo needed a similar tussle to secure the tie. Maxene Olango and Feeby Ferrer also took more than an hour -- 66 minutes to be exact -- to turn back Jacqueline Pantoja and Bautista, 21-18, 17-21, 21-18.

Ocampo completed the sweep with a 21-19, 21-9 over Manguilimotan to end the second day of eliminations after more than five hours.

UST and AdU split the first two singles matches to start the day. De Leon swept past Marriane Barcelona, 21-18, 21-16 for the España-based side, while Key Fuerte took down Angelina Vitangcol, 21-14, 21-15 for the squad from San Marcelino.

Fuerte's win was the only one that came from the Lady Falcons as Jennifer Saladaga and Rhafi Santos cruised past Camille Buagas and Graziel Cabriga, 21-10, 21-16, while Reshane Nicor got a debut win at the expense of Aleyha Villanueva, 21-11, 11-21, 21-10, to close the tie.

Ateneo and UP will go for third straight wins when they face UST and ADU, respectively, while NU will go for a bounce back when they tackle DLSU next.

All ties are scheduled on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the same Malate venue.

Back-to-back victories for NU in men's badminton

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 Men's Badminton Standings

Ateneo 2-0

NU 2-0

UP 1-1

UST 1-1

AdU 0-2

DLSU 0-2

Ties on Saturday

Men's 

8 a.m. - Ateneo vs UST / DLSU vs UP / AdU vs NU

Women's

1 p.m. - Ateneo vs UST / DLSU vs NU / AdU vs UP 

MJ Perez led National University to a thrilling comeback victory against the University of the Philippines, clinching a 3-2 decision in the ongoing qualifying round of the UAAP Season 87 Badminton tournament on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.

The Bulldogs' second-year standout from San Sebastian College-Recoletos needed just 37 minutes of action to defeat Charles Alcarpio, 21-17, 21-13, preventing the Fighting Maroons from achieving a breakthrough win against them.

Instead, this victory marked NU's second consecutive win, propelling them to a share of the top spot alongside reigning champion Ateneo De Manila University.

"Kuntento naman ako sa performance nila. Actually, sinabihan ko na sila na this will be a hard game against UP. We expected na they will play hard also, so ang sabi ko sa kanila, mag-prepare talaga ng maayos," said Jaime Llanes, the long-time head coach of the Bulldogs.

"Okay naman 'yung chemistry nila, pero hindi ko rin masisi 'yung mga players kasi bago 'yung venue. Pero mag-adjust lang kami. Continue to play hard; no pressure and always have fun lang while playing," he added.

The two teams split the first two singles matches, with returning player Lanz Zafra and Jelo Albo securing wins for the Bulldogs and Fighting Maroons, respectively. 

Zafra handed rookie Shan Clar his first loss, 21-15, 21-12, before Albo swept fellow Smash Pilipinas mainstay Mark Velasco, 21-14, 21-18.

UP then gained the advantage after Enzo Rivera and Mark Anthony Bernal pulled off a stunning upset against national team members Solomon Padiz Jr. and James Villarante, winning the first doubles match 20-22, 21-11, 23-21.

NU eventually set the stage for the decider with a convincing 21-13, 21-11 victory by Zafra and Nestojan Tapales over Albo and second-year player Johann Abinales in the other doubles rubber.

Ateneo extended its undefeated streak to five matches, dating back to last season, with a dominant 5-0 sweep of rival De La Salle University. 

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas secured its first win of the season against Adamson University, finishing with a 4-1 scoreline.

Reigning MVP Arthur Salvado Jr. and last year's Rookie of the Year, Lance Vargas, clinched the win for the Blue Eagles with a 21-17, 21-13 victory over Yuan Tan and Miguel Cuarte in the first doubles rubber.

On the other hand, RJ Galve and Janzen Panisales notched their first win as a pair, giving the Golden Shuttlers a victory, 21-19, 21-14, over Julius Fontanilla and Nathaniel Acedillo, also in the first doubles.

Robbie Ramos made his singles debut in the UAAP with a 19-21, 21-11, 21-15 turnaround against James Capin, while Season 86 co-MVP Lyrden Laborte quickly made it 2-0 after defeating Joshua Fajilan, 21-15, 21-9.

Laborte then teamed up with Allen Penute to escape with a 21-17, 23-21 victory over Joshua Morada and Zaki Layno, before Vargas completed the sweep against the Green Shuttlers, winning 21-10, 21-16 against Cuarte in the final singles match.

Lennox Cuilao collected two wins for UST, first defeating Heaven Linaban, 21-18, 21-12, in the first singles match and later teaming up with Bien Miraflor to secure a 22-20, 21-13 victory over Gabrielle Ganoy and Noel Hernandez Jr.

Ivan Angelo Tuazon extended UST's advantage to 2-0 with a 21-13, 21-11 win over Jhon Dema-ano. In the last singles match, Acedillo prevented a shutout for Adamson, claiming victory over rookie John Vincent Espinoza, 21-15, 21-14.

Ateneo and NU will aim to continue their winning streaks when they face UST and Adamson, respectively, while UP looks to bounce back against DLSU.

All matches are scheduled for Saturday at 8 a.m. at the same Malate venue.

Ateneo staves off Adamson to kick off title defense

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 Badminton Standings

Men's:

Ateneo 1-0

NU 1-0

UP 1-0

UST 0-1

DLSU 0-1

AdU 0-1

Women's:

Ateneo 1-0

NU 1-0

UP 1-0

DLSU 0-1

UST 1-0

AdU 0-1

Ties on Sunday

Men's

8 a.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU / AdU vs UST / NU vs UP 

Women's

1 p.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU / AdU vs UST / UP vs NU

ATENEO De Manila University's drive for a fifth consecutive championship was opened with its 24th consecutive win dating back to the UAAP Season 81 semifinals, by fending off the gritty Adamson University, 4-1, on the opening day of the Season 87 Women's Badminton tournament on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.

It was team captain and Smash Pilipinas standout Mika De Guzman who rose to the occasion for the Blue Eagles, teaming up with Feeby Ferrer in a 21-17, 21-9 work of Justine Barasona and Jennifer Ondol in the second doubles match after the Lady Falcons took the first doubles rubber.

Camille Buagas and Graziel Cabriga took one for Adamson after a 75-minute tussle against Althea Fuentespina and Missy Cervantes, 21-14, 19-21, 21-16, that necessitated the De Guzman-Ferrer heroics.

"Well, again, as expected naman. Kami, we're expecting na there are individual or pair na magsha-shine in every team. So, alam naman namin 'yun and it happened na we can lose a few matches. We just kumbaga kept our focus and our goals intact lang; every team tie, the goal, of course, is to win it. We'll just keep it that simple," said Ateneo head coach Kennie Asuncion.

"It's the first day and we expected naman na may good rallies and some na we hope na could-have-been better rallies, but that's how the game goes. We'll take it as it is and to improve whatever we need to improve , and i-hone pa naman 'yung strong assets namin," said the current program head of the national team.

Rookie Althea Dawn Ocampo opened the scoring for the reigning four-peat champions with a 21-11, 21-13 take of Adamson's Aleyha Villanueva in the first singles match. De Guzman, the MVP for the past three seasons already, then doubled the advantage with a 30-minute clinical finish in the following singles rubber past Mariane Barcelona, 21-9, 21-4.

Angel Valle then completed the rout with a 21-15, 22-20 battle over Aubrey Fuerte in the final singles contest.

University of the Philippines and National University fashioned out similar 4-1 wins of their own against De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas, respectively.

Philippine Badminton Open 2024 women's doubles finalists Kimberly Lao and Patricia De Dios pulled through for the Fighting Maroons in a 23-21, 25-23 thriller that lasted for 44 minutes against Jacqueline Pantoja and Viana Antonio in the second doubles match.

On the other hand, Jeya Von Pinlac and Andrian Songcuan needed three games and 68 minutes to outlast Rhafi Santos and Jennifer Saladaga, 15-21, 21-17, 21-10, to get the first win for the Lady Bulldogs.

Third-year Althea Gonzalez came from a first-game setback against Antonio to put UP on the board, 16-21, 22-20, 21-16 in a marathon match that went for one hour and 27 minutes. Lady Tuario then leveled the tie for DLSU with a 21-17, 21-11 take on rookie Anielka Paz.

That was all the Lady Shuttlers had managed as Smash Pilipinas training pool member Sushmita Ramos took care of both her assignments.

The third-year Fighting Maroon paired with Dianne Libaton in a decisive 21-16, 21-13 first doubles match before closing the day with a 21-17, 21-14 conquest of Ghiselle Bautista.

Ysabel Amora and Sarah Joy Barredo set up the win for Pinlac and Songcuan after decisive wins in the first two singles matches. Amora, the PBO 2024 runner-up in the women's singles, fashioned out a 21-11, 21-14 sweep of Patricia De Leon, while Barredo took care of Reshane Nicor, 21-16, 21-10.

De Leon took one back for the Female Shuttlers, teaming up with Marielle Alvarez in a match that was halted twice due to roof leaks, but eventually ended after 33 minutes, 21-15, 11-21, 21-15 over Barredo and Gwyneth Desacola.

The other win by the Lady Bulldogs came from the third singles victory of Karyll Rio, 21-8, 21-11, over Charlize Belen.

NU and UP will battle for the possible lead when they take on each other tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the same Malate venue.

Ateneo will look to extend its winning streak when it faces rival DLSU, while UST and Adamson will go for the first win in their contest.

Ateneo dominates to open title defense

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 Men's Badminton Standings

Ateneo 1-0

NU 1-0

UP 1-0

AdU 0-1

DLSU 0-1

UST 0-1

Ties on Sunday

Men's: 8 a.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU / AdU vs UST / NU vs UP

Women's: 1 p.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU / AdU vs UST / UP vs NU

ATENEO de Manila University opened its title-retention bid in dominant fashion, sweeping Adamson University 5-0 on the first day of the qualifying round of the UAAP Season 87 Men's Badminton tournament, held on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.

Reigning MVP Lyrden Laborte teamed up with rookie Robbie Ramos to propel the Blue Eagles to the early lead with a commanding win over the Soaring Falcons' Noel Hernandez and Gabriel Gamoy in the first doubles match, 21-18, 21-11, in just 31 minutes of action.

Laborte and Ramos had to fend off a determined Adamson pair in the opening set, which saw Adamson close the gap to 13-15, before the Ateneo duo pulled away. The second set was more one-sided, with a five-point run that stretched their lead to 19-9, sealing the match.

"I'm happy that we started the season with good wins. Okay naman, considering we're using a venue that we haven't used for quite a while, so ang ano natin is how the draft is. So far, OK naman and the players are adjusting well, so happy naman kami," said head coach Kennie Asuncion.

"Again, with the same approach na talagang every point is important. Every match kumbaga hindi pwede 'yung downtime. You always have to be on guard; you always have to be ready," added Asuncion, who is also the concurrent national program director, discussing the team's mindset moving forward.

Laborte, this season’s Ateneo captain, earlier kicked off the sweep with a commanding 19-minute victory over Adamson’s Kyrik Roldan in straight sets, 21-10, 21-7. Senior Arthur Salvado Jr., a fellow UAAP Season 86 MVP, doubled Ateneo’s advantage with a 21-17, 21-14 win over Nathan Acedillo.

Allen Penute and Charles Bagasbas showcased their clutch skills with a 21-18, 21-17 triumph over Julious Fontanilla and Acedillo in the second doubles rubber. Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Lance Vargas, then sealed the sweep with a 21-9, 21-8 rout of Jhon Dema-ano.

Meanwhile, National University and the University of the Philippines also secured 5-0 victories over De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas, respectively.

The two powerhouse teams, NU and UP, will clash on Sunday at 8 a.m. in the same venue.

Season 85 MVP Solomon Padiz Jr. and Nestojan Tapales clinched the win for the Bulldogs with a 37-minute battle against Green Shuttlers Yuan Tan and Miguel Cuarte, 21-17, 21-15, in the first doubles match.

Returning shuttler Enzo Rivera and rookie Mark Anthony Bernal of the Fighting Maroons stunned Golden Shuttlers Janzen Panisales and Ron Jacob Galve in the first doubles rubber, 21-11, 21-13, to secure their tie.

Lanz Zafra made a triumphant return to the league, dismantling Jason Pajarillo, 21-5, 21-10, placing the seven-time champions NU in control. The country's No. 3 men's singles player, Mark Velasco, extended NU's lead with a 21-13, 21-9 sweep over James Carl Capin.

Another returning Bulldog James Villarante, alongside former Blue Eagle Jeno Cariño, took the second doubles match for NU, 21-13, 21-16, over Zaki Layno and Joshua Morada. MJ Perez completed the sweep with a 21-18, 21-15 win over Joshua Fajilan.

Smash Pilipinas stalwart and third-year Fighting Maroon Jelo Albo also had a perfect day, beginning with a clinical 21-3, 21-14 victory over Lennox Cuilao in the first singles match and then mounting a thrilling comeback with Johann Abinales to defeat Cuilao and Bien Miraflor, 14-21, 22-20, 21-10, in the second doubles rubber.

Shan Clar and Charles Alcarpio added UP’s other victories in the first singles and third singles rubbers, respectively. Clar, a rookie, outlasted fellow freshman John Vincent Espinoza, 23-21, 21-17, while team captain Alcarpio rounded out the sweep by defeating Ivan Angelo Tuazon, 21-13, 21-15.

Ateneo will face archrival De La Salle in another highly anticipated showdown, while UST and Adamson will battle for their first win when qualifying round action resumes on Sunday at 8 a.m.

Ateneo seeks successful collegiate badminton title defense

Ties Saturday at Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall

8am - Men's: Ateneo vs AdU / NU vs DLSU / UP vs UST

1 p.m. - Women's Ateneo vs AdU / UP vs DLSU / NU vs UST

ATENEO de Manila University opens its title defense in the women's and men's divisions as the UAAP Season 87 Badminton Tournament returns to the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila on Saturday.

The Blue Eagles are set for tough competition as the tournament returns to its historic home after three seasons at the Centro Atletico in Cubao.

The last time the UAAP held its badminton matches at this Manila venue was in Season 81 in 2018.

"When we start a season, we approach it the same way every year—on a clean slate. We don't overestimate or underestimate any team because we know every team has its own strengths and weaknesses. So, we take it one team tie at a time," said Blue Eagles head coach Kennie Asuncion.

Ateneo's women's squad, aiming for a fifth consecutive title, will be led by three-time MVP and national team standout Mika De Guzman.

The reigning queens will begin their campaign against Adamson University at 1 p.m.

"UAAP is a big tournament for us since it's at the collegiate level. This is where we channel all the hard work, sacrifices, and the sweat, blood, and tears we endure in training. Every year, we strive to give our 100 percent because we know all the teams are coming for the crown. Our preparation is not just a few weeks or months; for us, it’s a year-round commitment," said De Guzman.

"But of course, it's not just physical preparation—we also focus on mental training because it's just as important. Coach Kennie always reminds us to strengthen our minds, as it’s key to maintaining a positive outlook and achieving peak performance. As a team, we’re more than just teammates; we treat each other like family. We support, encourage, and inspire one another both on and off the court. That’s what fuels us to give our best and drives us to win together," added the APACS Kazakhstan International Series 2023 women's singles champion.

Meanwhile, last season’s MVP Lyrden Laborte will lead Ateneo's men's team, which ended National University's seven-year reign last year.

The defending champions will face the Soaring Falcons earlier in the day at 8 a.m.

"The upcoming UAAP tournament will definitely be highly competitive. We’re up against strong teams like last season, but this time we have the added challenge of defending our title. Our preparation is similar to last year, but we make sure to give our best in every training session. Even on days when we’re not 100 percent confident in our shots, we focus on what we can control and maintaining a strong mindset," Laborte said.

The country's No. 7 men's singles player added, "We've also been working on building stronger teamwork, especially with the new guys, and refining our skills. We've spent time analyzing our previous performances and addressing our weaknesses. Overall, I believe we're ready to give our best, put all our hearts into this, and trust God for this One Big Fight in Season 87."

In other men's division matches at 8 a.m., the NU Bulldogs will begin their redemption bid against the De La Salle University Green Shuttlers, while the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons will face the University of Santo Tomas Golden Shuttlers.

On the women's side, the Fighting Maroons will begin their quest for a league-leading tenth crown against the DLSU Lady Green Shuttlers, while the resurgent UST Lady Shuttlers and the NU Lady Bulldogs will renew their budding rivalry.

Oba-ob advances in his PBO opener

Rabie Jayson Oba-ob

Top seed Rabie Jayson Oba-ob opened his campaign at the 2024 Philippine Badminton Open with a smooth 21-16 21-8 victory over Kirk Nathan Abarquez on Wednesday at the First Pacific Leadership Academy Badminton Center in Antipolo.

Representing the Philippine Air Force, the Zamboanga native needed just 29 mins to dispatch Abarquez, who is set to join La Salle for the upcoming collegiate campaign.

Oba-ob overcame a slow start to claim the first set, trailing 3-11 heading into the first interval of the Philippine Super 500 tournament.

The 31-year-old National University alumnus shared afterwards, "Nag-prepare naman po ako for this tournament pero no pressure naman po sa 'kin. One reason na no pressure is wala naman na po ako sa national team. I just gave my best po."

He will face off in the next round on Thursday against Luis Bernie Comiso, as the University of San Carlos standout defeated Liam Johan Cack, 21-18 21-9.

Other notable matches slated to take place late Wednesday includes a potential UAAP preview with Jelo Albo of the University of the Philippines facing Lance Vargas of Ateneo de Manila for a spot in the third round.

Defending champion Mark Velasco of Smash Pilipinas kicks off his title defense on Thursday, as he awaits the winner of Rodolfo Rodin Kean Gaminde or Tristan Troy Magango.

Also set to take place on Thursday is the matchup between fourth seed John Christian Yabut and Jamil Arend del Rosario. The latter emerged as a 21-10 21-5 winner over Joshua Martinez.

The PBO is backed by Smart, Mizuno, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the MVP Sports Foundation. It is also sponsored by Jollibee, Chowking, and FPLA, as well as presented by Maynilad, MWell, and Cignal.

Men's doubles and Women's singles matches are pegged as well to commence on Thursday at the same venue.

Velasco, De Guzman set for Philippine Badminton Open title defense

Mark Velasco

The tournament that determines who are the best Filipino shuttlers in the country starts on Wednesday, with the 2024 edition of the Philippine Badminton Open commencing action at the First Pacific Leadership Academy Badminton Center in Antipolo City.

A Philippine Super 500 tournament, the PBO boasts of a PhP 1,000,000 prize pool, with PhP 100,000 allocated for the singles champions and PhP 50,000 goes to the runners-up. PhP 15,000 awaits the losing semifinalists.

In doubles, champions get to split PhP 120,000, while PhP 60,000 goes to the runners-up. Losing semifinalists get to take home PhP 30,000.

Day 1 action will feature all men's singles matches, with defending champion Mark Anthony Velasco earning a first round bye. Top-seed Rabie Jayson Oba-ob also earned a bye and will face the winner of Mark Arki Enseñado or Kirk Nathan Abarquez in the next round.

Women's singles champion Mika de Guzman will open her campaign on Friday, having earned a first round bye. She awaits the winner of Danice Jhean Colao and Mia Manguilimotan, which takes place on Thursday.

In doubles, Smash Pilipinas standouts Julius Villabrille and Nicole Albo are set for their respective title defenses.

The duo will kick off its mixed doubles retention campaign on Saturday against Bien Miraflor and Rhafi Santos on Saturday, but much earlier on that with their respective partners in men's and women's doubles.

Villabrille teams up with Solomon Padiz Jr, while Albo joins forces with Lea Inlayo, as each pair will start their quest on Friday.

The PBO is backed by SMART, Mizuno, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the MVP Sports Foundation. It is also supported by Jollibee, Chowking, and the First Pacific Leadership Academy, while Maynilad, MWell, and Cignal serving as presenters.

Matches will be shown on the Facebook pages of SMART Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and the Philippine Badminton Association, with Cignal also set to broadcast the matches on June 11, which will take place at the Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City.

Philippine Badminton Open set for June

c/o PBAD / SMART Sports

The Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD) officially announced the return of the Philippine Badminton Open on Tuesday.

In collaboration with SMART and Mizuno, among others, the PBO is set to take place on June 5-11, with the Super 500 tournament promises thrilling matches and fierce competition.

PBAD Vice President and MVP Sports Foundation Executive Director Jude Turcuato says, "The Philippine Badminton Open is the tournament that proves who the best of the best in the country is. Badminton is one of the sports that MVPSF identified where the Filipino can be a world-class athlete. Organizing tournaments like this will get our athletes busy as this tournament kicks off our local calendar."

PBAD Head of Development Melvin Nubla notes the importance of the tournament, "This tournament is a Super 500 tournament, meaning it will have huge implications not just in the national rankings but also identify who can be part of the national team."

The federation is hopeful that this competition is the start of feeling out potential Olympians for 2028 and beyond.

In reaffirming their commitment to the sport, SMART Sports AVP Christopher Quimpo adds. "In recent years, badminton has experienced significant growth, with several national team players achieving success in international tournaments. This includes Mika De Guzman’s recent triumph in Kazakhstan. Smart is dedicated to nurturing and developing both current and future members of our national team through events like the Philippine Badminton Open."

PBAD Secretary-General Carla Lizardo-Sulit extended her gratitude to all the institutions supporting the PBO, including the likes of Smart Communications, Cignal, Mwell, Mizuno, and MVP Sports Foundation. She remarked, "As a badminton player myself, I am thrilled to see the support the sport is finally getting. This tournament would not be possible without the unwavering support of our partners."

All but one day of the tournament will take place at First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo, with the last day taking place at the Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong.

A prize pool of PhP 1 million awaits, with champions to be crowned across five divisions: men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles.

Singles champions get PhP 100,000, while PhP 50,000 goes to the runners-up. Losing semifinalists secure PhP 15,000.

For doubles, the champions receive PhP 120,000 while the runners-up take home PhP 60,000. PhP 30,000 await the losing semifinalists.

Seeking a successful title defense of the PBO are Marc Velasco and Mika de Guzman in singles, as well as Julius Villabrille and Nicole Albo in doubles, with Solomon Padiz as Julius' partner in the men and Lea Inlayo as Nicole's partner for the women.

Cignal is expected to broadcast the knockout stages of the competition, aside from the social media platforms of SMART Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and PBAD itself.

Mika De Guzman bags first international title in Kazakhstan

Mika de Guzman

Philippine badminton secured breakthroughs in a couple of international tournaments.

Two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Mika de Guzman claimed her first international women's singles title this past weekend, the APACS Kazakhstan International Series 2023 at the Almatau Resort in the city of Shymkent in the Central Asian country.

In the path to winning this tournament, which is part of the BWF International Series, a grade 3, level 2 series, the Filipina fourth seed earned a first round bye, then easily took care of hometown bet Aisha Zhumabek in the second round, 21-6 21-5.

She eked out a 22-24 27-25 21-17 marathon in the quarterfinals against Indian netter Smit Toshniwal, before dispatching top seed Fatimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq of the Maldives in about half-an-hour, 21-6 21-6.

De Guzman would then triumph in the final against another Indian netter, Arundhati Nagaraja Muddu, 21-13 21-17 in a forty-minute skirmish. The Atenean gets a 2500-point boost with the result.

Meanwhile in Thailand, a few Filipino products of the Philippine Badminton Association's grassroots program found a bit of success at the BAT Pathumthani Junior International Series 2023, as JR Pandi and Mary Destiny Untal claimed the U17 mixed doubles title.

Both players are by-products of the Junior Philippine National Rankings series, which just concluded its tenth and final leg at Sta. Rosa, Laguna this past Sunday.

This leg saw Shan Clar and Althea Dawn Ocampo top its respective U19 singles crowns, while MJ Perez a double in U19 doubles with the National University rookie partnering with Gift Libanan in the boys and Niesha de Guzman in mixed.

Capping off the winners is the duo of Althea Princess Hernandez and Precious Libaton snapping up the girls doubles plum.

Philippine Badminton Open set for return in February

PBad officials Christopher Quimpo, Imee Moreno, and Jude Turcuato

After a three-year break, the Philippine Badminton Open is set to resume next year.

The Dragonsmash Badminton Center in Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City will serve as the venue for the competition this coming February 20-26.

Back in 2019, the competition served as a test event for the 30th SEA Games at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex. For the 2023 edition, it will be part of the national team's preparations for the 32nd iteration, which will take place later in the year in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Imee Moreno, who will serve as the PBO project director, shares, "The Intercollegiate Tournament was able to prove to us that there are a lot of players that have a lot of potential here in our country. We are very much excited about what is in store for us in the world of badminton."

The Cagayan de Oro councilor adds, "The Philippine Badminton Open is a milestone for us because this will be the start of our national ranking system for our players. This is where we can help develop and hone the skills of our players. This is also through this tournament that we can support our national team players, especially as they prepare for the SEA Games and other international tournaments."

The Philippine Badminton Association also bared that it will introduce a rankings system, designating the PBO as a Super 500 tournament, with a PhP 1,000,000 pot. PhP 70,000 will be rewarded to the singles winners (men's and women's) and PhP 150,000 to the doubles winners (men's, women's, mixed).

The NSA considers the PBO as one of the many domestic competitions they are planning for the upcoming year, with the world slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels.

PBaD Secretary-General Christopher Quimpo shares, "The Philippine Badminton Open has been there since I joined PBAD. The first tournament was back in 2016 and we had 500-plus players compete. After, the last time we held this was right before the 2019 SEA Games. It's very welcoming that we will have the Philippine Open again next year. A lot of learnings and clamor for tournaments happened since then. But a question was raised, 'Who's really the best in our country?' And we hope that we can find them in this tournament."

PBad vice president Jude Turcuato adds, "On behalf of the MVP Sports Foundation, chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, and our president Al S. Panlilio, badminton is one of the sports that we identified where the Filipino can be a world-class athlete. Getting into that level takes a lot of training, repetition, and mindset. It will take the full force of the badminton community to get it done. It used to be one of the country's most popular sports, and the community has shown that it can rise once again. This tournament will jumpstart what we want to do for the calendar year."

Interested participants can register through the tournament portal, https://tinyurl.com/PHIBadmintonOpen. Entry fee is PhP 1,000, which includes a shirt, shuttlecock, and court fees. Deadline for registration is February 5, 2023.

NU, Ateneo forge finals matchup in Season 85 men's badminton

c/o UAAP

National University and Ateneo de Manila locked in their finals matchup in the UAAP Season 85 Men's Badminton tournament on Sunday morning at the courts of Centro Atletico in Quezon City, dispatching their respective opposition to remain undefeated.

The Bulldogs continued their march to a potential seventh-straight title, clinching their berth with a 4-1 victory over De La Salle.

Lanz Zafra and Mark Velasco started things off with victories in singles action, with the former taking a 21-7 21-12 victory over Bless Linaban and the latter over Jason Pajarillo, 21-8 21-9.

Julius Villabrille and Solomon Padiz Jr then showed their national team pedigree, teaming up in doubles to clinch the tie against Joshua Morada and Pete Abellana, 21-15 21-9.

Ateneo then formalized the finals matchup by eking out a 3-2 victory over the University of the Philippines.

The Fighting Maroons rode on Jelo Albo early on, as he was responsible for both wins in their tie. Albo defeated Bryan Bernardo, 21-10 21-4 in the opening singles match, then teamed up with Jason Vanzuela for a 21-17 21-16 triumph over Arthur Salvado and Lyrden Laborte.

The Blue Eagles were ready for the challenge, responding to each defeat with equalizers, capped off by a 21-13 19-21 21-12 decision from Bernardo and Charles Bagasbas over Wileyto Yray and Charles Alcarpio.

Salvado would clinch things with a 21-15 21-9 victory over Enzo Rivera in the deciding match. The team captain shared afterwards, "The team's performance was a little bit shaky because of the pressure of NU's streak. And our chances of making the Finals also boiled down to this tie. Fortunately, I was able to handle the pressure in the third singles and the stress of the 2-2 standing."

Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas boosted their podium hopes by sweeping Adamson, 5-0, Janzen Panisales and RJ Galve clinched the tie with a 21-8 21-12 victory over CL Garcia and Harold Bonilla.

The final set of ties in the eliminations will take place on Saturday morning, with NU and Ateneo, as well as UST and UP tangling in their respective postseason previews. DLSU and Adamson, on the other hand, is seeking a positive conclusion to their stint.

Ateneo holds off UP in women's badminton

c/o UAAP

Ateneo de Manila remained undefeated in Women's Badminton on Saturday afternoon at the badminton courts of Centro Atletico in Quezon City, fending off the University of the Philippines, 3-2.

Chanelle Lunod clinched the tie for the Blue Eagles in the final singles match, defeating Aldreeen Concepcion, 21-13 21-12.

The defending two-time Most Valuable Player shared afterwards, "We just wanted to treat this tie like any normal tie we had and like the past few games that we played para hindi kami ma-pressure, so we would be able to play our game."

The Fighting Maroons drew first blood with Anthea Gonzalez outlasting Jochelle Alvarez, 16-21 21-17 21-9. Mika de Guzman then got the defending champions on the board with a 21-8 21-7 victory over Jaja Andres.

Ateneo took the lead after Lunod and Alvarez kicked off doubles action by winning over Lea Inlayo and Susmita Ramos, 21-17 21-16, but UP would knot things up again with Gonzalez teaming up with team captain Andrea Abalos to trip up the duo of De Guzman and Jellane De Vera, 9-21 21-16 21-17.

The other matches saw De La Salle and National University take care of their respective opposition.

Mia Manguilimotan took charge of the Lady Green Shuttlers against Adamson, winning her two matches as they swept the Lady Falcons, 5-0. The sophomore defeated Camille Buagas, 21-10 21-12 in singles play, then followed that with a doubles victory alongside Jaqueline Pantoja after their opponents Ivy Plata and Jam Ching were forced to retire while trailing in the second set, 12-6.

As for the Lady Bulldogs, they clinched their tie against the University of Santo Tomas in the second doubles, with Jeya Pinlac and Alysa Desacola defeating Elij Pena and Clara Ignacio, 21-15 21-17 in the second doubles match-up. NU would finish with a 4-1 victory.

Action resumes on Sunday afternoon, with Ateneo facing NU and UP against DLSU, with UST and Adamson seeking their first win in Season 85 against each other.

NU streak reaches 54 in men's badminton

c/o UAAP

National University survived a game effort from the University of the Philippines to remain undefeated in the men's division of the UAAP Season 85 Badminton tournament on Saturday at the badminton courts of Centro Atletico in Quezon City.

It was Mark Anthony Velasco who carried the Bulldogs for their 54th straight tie victory, winning his two assignments as they remain undefeated at 3-0.

Velasco got NU on the board in the second singles matchup, defeating Kervin Llanes, 21-12 23-21. He then teamed up with Lanz Zafra in the second doubles matchup to secure the tie with a 21-19 21-15 triumph over Jelo Albo and Jason Vanzuela.

For Zafra, it was an immediate bounce back after dropping the first singles match against fellow national teammate Albo, 14-21 14-21 that put UP ahead early on.

Solomon Padiz Jr and Julius Villabrille would put NU at the cusp with a 21-12 21-16 result against Maroon co-captains Wileyto Yray and Charles Alcarpio in the first doubles.

Padiz, however, was forced into medical retirement in the third singles match due to cramps, giving the win to Enzo Rivera to make it a 3-2 result in the tie.

NU head coach Jaime Llanes shares afterwards, "Satisfied naman ako sa nilaro nila. Itong last singles lang, feeling ko kaya nag-cramps si Monch (Padiz) kasi dehydrated siya. Pero laro iyan eh, nangyayari talaga. Pero overall satisfied talaga ko kasi lahat sila nag-perform eh."

Joining NU atop the standings is Ateneo, after the Blue Eagles swept Adamson, 5-0.

Lynden Laborte and Arthur Salvado won their respective singles assignments, with Bryan Bernardo and Charles Bagasbas clinching the tie with a 21-14 21-14 win over CL Garcia and Harold Bonilla in the first doubles matchup.

The other tie of the day featured the University of Santo Tomas dispatching La Salle, 5-0.

Janzen Panisales and RJ Gavile capped off the impressive result with a 21-13 21-17 victory over Joshua Morada and Pete Abellana in 39 minutes, giving the Golden Shuttlers their first win of the season and keeping the Green Shuttlers winless.

Matches will resume on Sunday with both Ateneo and NU hoping to clinch finals tickets against separate opposition. The Blue Eagles could formalize the finals matchup against the Bulldogs with a win over UP, while DLSU serves as the latest threat to the immaculate streak to NU. Completing the ties is the duel between UST and Adamson, with the former hoping for consecutive wins and the latter aspiring to get their opening win of the season.

All matches to start at 8am.

Ateneo, UP hold serve atop UAAP women's badminton

 

c/o UAAP

Ateneo and UP remained on top of the standings in the UAAP Season 85 Women's Badminton tournament after dispatching their respective opposition on Monday at the courts of Centro Atletico in Quezon City.

The Blue Eagles rode on Mika De Guzman in securing a 4-1 win over the University of Santo Tomas, with the team captain winning both of her assignments.

She defeated Charlize Belen to open things, 21-11 21-9, and followed that with a 21-13 21-8 win alongside Chanelle Lunod against Clara Ignacio and Elij Pena in the second doubles to clinch the tie.

Jochelle Alvarez helped secure the tie after she claimed a 21-13 21-8 victory over Rhafi Santos in the second singles match, before the Golden Shuttlers pulled one back after Santos teamed up with Jennifer Saladaga against Alvarez and Missy Cervantes, 15-21 21-17 21-15.

Lunod would finish things off with a 21-15 21-15 victory over Saladaga in the final match of the tie.

Ateneo head coach and badminton legend Kennie Asuncion reflected on the result of their tie afterwards. "It's not easy to get 5-0 because each team has its own exceptional players, so it's OK. It's a learning experience for us. I look at it as something to be learned," she says.

UP would join Ateneo atop the early badminton leaderboard with a sweep against Adamson.

Aldreen Concepcion opened things with a 21-11 21-8 win over Patricia Timosa in the first singles matchup. Anthea Gonzalez followed suit with a 21-1 21-3 demolition against Janine San Ignacio.

National team standouts Lea Inlayo and Susmita Ramos would clinch the tie with a 21-10 21-5 win over Melody Ampusta and Graziel Cabriga, a match that lasted 23 minutes.

National University bounced back from their Sunday afternoon defeat to sweep La Salle, 5-0.

Sarah Barredo won both of her matchups to anchor the win, defeating Mia Manguilimotan in singles action then joined forces against Ybonnie Dema-ano in outlasting their counterparts Shayne Boloron and Palma Cruz in doubles, 15-21 21-13 21-8.

Saturday's action will feature Ateneo and UP in a top of the table clash, with NU seeking consecutive victories against UST. Completing the slate is the matchup between DLSU and Adamson. All matches will start at 1pm.