ATENEO WINS. Ateneo team captain Lyrden Laborte (right) and rookie Robby Ramos erupted with joy after a nail-biting, hard-fought victory, prevailing 21-14, 16-21, 21-15 against the formidable duo of UP’s Jelo Albo and Johann Abinales. This gripping clash unfolded during the second doubles match of the much-anticipated UAAP Season 87 men’s badminton tournament semifinal round at the iconic Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila on Tuesday (Oct. 29, 2024). With the 3-1 victory over the Fighting Maroons, the Blue Eagles secured their place in the finals, where they will face off against National University. (UAAP photo)
MANILA – In an exhilarating display of athletic prowess, defending champion Ateneo de Manila University clawed their way to victory over the University of the Philippines (UP), clinching a decisive 3-1 win in the semifinal ties of the UAAP Season 87 men’s badminton tournament held at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in the bustling city of Manila on Tuesday. National University (NU), showcasing its formidable skill set, dominated the University of Santo Tomas, triumphing 3-0 to set up an electrifying title showdown scheduled for 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Bulldogs, who narrowly missed the title last season, previously claimed championship glory in Season 82 (2019) and Season 85 (2022), elevating the stakes for their upcoming match against Ateneo.
The match began with UP taking a surprising 1-0 lead when Smash Pilipinas standout Jelo Albo showcased his skill and tenacity, outclassing Ateneo’s Lance Vargas in the opening singles match with scores of 21-19, 21-16. However, Ateneo’s captain Lyrden Laborte quickly shifted the momentum by overcoming rookie Shan Clar in a fiercely contested second singles match, clinching it 21-17, 22-20.
In a thrilling first doubles match, Vargas teamed up with former skipper Arthur Salvado Jr. to overcome UST’s duo of Enzo Rivera and Mark Anthony Bernal, winning 21-18, 21-17. The atmosphere was electric as Laborte returned to the court alongside rookie Robby Ramos, sealing the deal with their hard-fought victory over Albo and Johann Abinales in the second doubles.
“At the start, we just focused on the game. We kept our presence of mind and we just put God in the center of our team no matter what,” reflected Laborte, who was recognized as co-MVP of UAAP Season 86. “As for NU, we know that it is a strong team because we lost to them last Sunday, but we have to think that we can do it. One point at a time, one game at a time. We can as long as we believe.”
Meanwhile, NU relied on the outstanding performances of Season 85 co-MVP Solomon Padiz Jr. and the returning Jeno Cariño to solidify their position in the finals for the 12th consecutive year. The dynamic duo handily defeated UST’s Bien Miraflor and Lennox Cuilao, winning with scores of 21-19, 21-14.
Further showcasing their dominance, Lanz Zafra overwhelmed Cuilao with an impressive score of 21-13, 21-7, while Mark Anthony Velasco delivered a swift victory against Francis Haroun Sarmiento, ending the match in a quick 21-6, 21-7. “From the start, I always tell them about their consistency. All throughout the game, what they have started should be the same. It should not decrease,” shared long-time Bulldogs head coach Jaime Llanes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum. “My players are in high spirits. And from the start, you know they want to get back.”
In a fitting conclusion to the tournament’s semifinal round, UP and UST will go head-to-head, vying for third place at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. (PNA)
